Kerala State Water Transport Department
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Kerala State Water Transport Department is a governmental agency that regulates the inland navigation systems in the Indian state of Kerala and provides inland water transport facilities. The department is headed by the State Minister in charge of transportation.
This system consists of 1895 kilometers of waterways, including navigable rivers, backwaters, and man made cross canals. Most of these are in Travancore-Cochin region. Of the 44 rivers in Kerala, 41 of the westward flowing rivers combine with back waters and man made canals to form an integral part of inland navigation system.
The Kerala State Water Transport Department formed during 1968 with the objectives to provide transport facilities and cargo transportation to the people residing in the water logged areas at cheaper rates. Construction of roads, bridges and roadways shortened the operation of the department to passenger transport only, providing backwater transport through ferries. The system is free of pollution, accidents, and is affordable. The system provides on average 79,000 km of service to 80,000 people through its 14 stations and 81 boats daily.
