Kochi Corporation Accelerates Ro-Ro Dry-Docking Plans Amidst Fleet Performance Issues.

KSINC is considering further restricting the operational hours of ro-ro services to 6 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.–10 p.m. to mitigate engine overheating issues. Currently, one vessel is out of service, leading to operations being managed by only one vessel. The extended afternoon break aims to enhance passenger safety and prevent mechanical failures, a concern heightened by long overdue maintenance. The dry-docking of both existing vessels has been delayed until 2027, with the agreement in place to proceed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) once the third vessel joins the fleet.

The financial burden of the annual dry dock, estimated at ₹4.50 crore, and rising operational losses are driving criticism from councillors across political parties. Despite operational losses only alleviating during peak seasons like the Kochi Carnival, there are calls for reform. KSINC has been widely criticized for failing to adjust user charges that have remained static since the era of jhankar services, despite significant increases in fuel costs and consumption. Fuel prices have nearly doubled from ₹52 to ₹96 per litre since the ro-ro service inception, yet fares haven’t changed.

Discussions about creating a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage the ro-ro services have faced backlash from the Left Democratic Front, which views this as a potential step towards privatization. Although this idea has been broached since 2020, progress has stalled. The situation underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of service management, cost structures, and operational strategies to address the escalating losses and enhance service sustainability moving forward.