Kerala’s West Coast Canal (WCC) project is set to mark a major milestone with the upcoming commissioning of the 250km Akkulam-Chettuva stretch in December. 

This segment, part of the 590 km Kovalam-Bekal inland waterway, will enhance transport, tourism, and cargo movement across 11 districts. The commissioning ceremony will be held in the 330m Varkala tunnel, featuring a Rs three crore electric boat funded by CIAL’s CSR initiative. The project, jointly implemented by the CSIN department and Kerala Waterways Infrastructure (KWIL), has overcome significant hurdles including land acquisition and rehabilitation, with 594 families relocated. 

Dredging and beautification works have progressed steadily, especially in Varkala. A light-and-sound show inside the tunnel will showcase Travancore’s history and Sree Narayana Guru’s legacy. The state plans to unlock economic opportunities through PPP models, with transport services also resuming on the Kollam-Alappuzha route. Over Rs 300 crore has been invested so far, with an additional Rs 247.3 crore sanctioned for further rehabilitation.