Kerala to launch hydrofoil passenger service

Kerala will soon launch a hydrofoil passenger service between Kochi and Alappuzha, Ports and Fisheries Minister K. Babu said Tuesday.

He said a sum of Rs.5 million has been sanctioned to set up berthing service for the hydrofoil - a boat with special wing-like structures which lift it out of the water and make it appear to be flying - at Kochi and Alappuzha.

"This is popular among tourists in Europe and also in Hong Kong. Coming up in the PPP model, the project has been cleared by state-owned KITCO (Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation). The project will become operational in a year's time and would be basically meant for tourists," said Babu.