Rs 10,000 ticket rate, 200kg luggage free; Kochi-Dubai ship service to be reality soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The launch of a ship service from Kochi to Dubai under the government's 'Mission Samudra' will possibly end the airline ticket ‘theft’. The news is something for ordinary expatriates to cheer about.

The average ticket price is Rs. 10,000. 200 kg of luggage can be carried free of charge. There will be beds, food and entertainment. The travel time is 72 to 90 hours (3-4 days). 1200 people can travel in one trip. Two services are being considered per month. Airfare to the Gulf is close to one lakh during festive seasons. Currently, there is a ship service from Kochi to Lakshadweep.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan indicated that private entrepreneurs would run the ship service. Expressions of interest will be invited for this. Maritime Board, Norka and expatriate organisations will join hands to implement the project. With the help of expatriate organisations, the ships will be fully loaded with passengers. Norka will create a portal for ticket reservations. Operators who quote low fares will be selected.

Earlier, Beypore was considered, but it was shifted to Kochi because there was no depth to accommodate large ships. The voyage is also expected to attract passengers from other states. Small traders can also carry products.

Security clearance required

Gulf service requires security and technical clearances from the Centre and the Director General of Shipping. There are cruise services from Kochi to London, Maldives and Colombo. The LDF government had planned to charter 175-seat planes from the Gulf at low rates, but it did not get central approval. With the introduction of low-cost cruise services, airlines will be forced to reduce fares.

Benefits for tourism

1. Will attract people from the Gulf and will boost medical tourism

2. The government will have to provide VGF financial assistance to companies to operate services at low rates

3. Money will have to be paid even if the seat is empty. A corpus fund will also have to be formed for this

“Passenger ship services will start from Kochi to Dubai and Goa. A cruise terminal will also come up in Kochi,” said Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.