A landmark in the history of inland movement through National Waterways 3 and 9 was achieved when the first barge, KPACT-1, with four TEUs of import loaded containers was flagged off last week from ICTT Cochin by the Chairman (I/C), Cochin Port Trust, in the presence of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, officials of the port, DP World, Customs, the shipping line and Kottayam Port. The barge will travel to Kottayam Port and ICD, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and congestion on the roads.
A regular service between ICTT Cochin and Kottayam Port and ICD will greatly benefit importers and exporters by way of reduced haulage for the last and first mile connectivity. It is expected that the cost of movement by waterway will be 30 to 40 per cent cheaper compared to road movement. This is in line with the objective of Sagarmala, the flagship programme of the Union Ministry of Shipping.
