The ship service is not only useful for travel but also for cargo handling, tourism, IT, agriculture, medical etc. One of the main attractions is that it can be transported at low cost. The need for a ferry service is imperative when air fares are beyond the reach of ordinary people during the festive season. Not only the Malayalis but also the non-residents from the neighboring states of Kerala including Tamil Nadu can travel with more luggage at a low cost.
At the same time, the government had earlier commissioned Norca Routes for a feasibility study on running passenger ships on the Baypur – Kochi – UAE route. A passenger survey will also be conducted to know the number of passengers on this route. Some organizations have come forward to form a consortium on the model of SIAL and start passenger-cargo-luxury ship services.
The fact that only 10,000 rupees are required on board for a trip will attract expatriates. It is also possible to bring luggage up to 200 kg on board. It is a three day journey. The permission of the central government has to be obtained for this. Sharjah Indian Association President Adv.Y. A. Efforts are continuing under the leadership of Rahim. According to earlier reports, the service may start in December 2023.
Air travel can be expensive for families traveling together. On special occasions like Onam and Perunal, airlines increase ticket prices sharply. This has caused a lot of protests by the expatriates, but the robbery of the airlines has not changed even today. In this scenario comes the alternative of sailing. A three-day trip should not be too much of a problem if approached as an excursion.
Meanwhile, deepening of the canals in Beypur is also going on. It will facilitate docking of large cargo ships with containers at Beypur port. The ship service also offers great potential to the tourism sector in Malabar.
