CM to inaugurate Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway Phase-I on Feb 26

Boat ride, light-and-sound show through Chilakoor Tunnel to commence

Trivandrum / February 24, 2026

 

 

 

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 24: Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of the 280-km Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway on February 26 at Chilakoor Beach Park in Varkala, scaling up the state’s standing as a multi-modal logistic hub and the country’s leading water-based tourism destination.

The Chief Minister will also launch the Chilakoor Tourism Project, and a string of other development initiatives completed by the Inland Navigation Department as part of the West Coast Canal Renovation project.

Shri V Joy, MLA, will preside over the function scheduled at 4.30 pm, where Minister for Electricity Shri K Krishnankutty will be the chief guest.

Shri Adoor Prakash, MP; Shri V Sasi, MLA; Smt Geetha Hemachandran, Chairperson, Varkala Municipality; Shri Suji S, President, Vettoor Panchayat; Smt Mini Antony, Additional CEO, KIIFB; and Swami Subhamgananda, General Secretary, Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, Sivagiri, will deliver felicitations.

Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway covers a major stretch of the West Coast Canal Renovation project aimed at creating the state-wide inland navigation system by linking rivers, backwaters and canals for hassle-free passenger and freight movement.

The project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited (KWIL), a joint venture formed in 2018 by the state government and the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).

CIAL has been entrusted with the renovation of the Chilakoor Tunnel in Varkala, a vital link of inland navigation in south Kerala, along with tourism-oriented beautification works to tap into the potential of the scenic site to attract visitors.

At the function, Shri S Suhas, IAS, Director, KWIL, and Shri Harshil R Meena, IAS, Director, Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre, will exchange the MoU for implementing Chilakoor tourism project and running solar-powered electric boat service at Chilakoor Beach.

As part of the tourism activities, CIAL will launch an electric boat for conducting a gliding light-and-sound show in the tunnel, highlighting a 3D video of Kerala’s history and a six-minute visual spectacle about the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru.

The 280-km Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway, spanning across different districts, is a major component of the state government’s flagship West Coast Canal Renovation project, which is set to accelerate Kerala’s sustainable and inclusive development by unlocking immense opportunities in multiple verticals.

Built in 1876, Chilakoor Tunnel is a 340-metre engineering marvel, aimed at facilitating hassle-free end-to-end inland navigation of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. The canal has been restored to navigable condition as part of the state government’s Inland Waterways development project.

Shri S Suhas, IAS, said the aim of the project is to develop West Coast Canal into a 24-hour modern waterway, besides giving a big boost to the state’s water-based tourism and logistics. 

Shri Ajayan S, Ward Councillor; Smt Ashabai B, Ward Member, Vettoor Panchayat; Shri Satheesh Kumar R Pai, General Manager, CIAL; Smt Sreekala C K, Chief Engineer, Inland Navigation; Shri Arun K Jacob, Director; and Shri P S Premchand, Executive Engineer, will also attend the inaugural function.

Shri Suresh Kumar S, Chief Engineer, KWIL, will propose a vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony will be followed by ‘Kerala Fusion’ programme.

The 616-km Kovalam–Bekal waterway project is a one-of-its-kind initiative in the country as it creates a unique link among lakes, rivers and man-made canals across the entire stretch of the state. In 2021-22, the project for preparing a master plan for Kovalam-Bekal canal was approved. In 2023, Rs 2556 crore was allotted through KIIFB for land acquisition, canal renovation and rehabilitation under Punargeham project.

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