{
  "id": 10915305,
  "title": "Veli-Kadinamkulam passenger-cum-tourist boat service inaugurated in Keralam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/veli-kadinamkulam-passenger-cum-tourist-boat-service-inaugurated-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T10:20:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/veli-kadinamkulam-passenger-cum-tourist-boat-service-inaugurated-in-keralam/article71527659.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The transport minister of Keralam, C.P. John, inaugurated a new passenger-cum-tourist boat service at Veli, a scenic coastal destination in Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking after the inauguration, he highlighted Veli's potential to become the state's largest transport hub, given its proximity to major transport networks. The minister emphasized the need to utilize existing waterways effectively to keep canals clean and well-maintained. The round-trip boat service, operated by the State Water Transport department, uses an eco-friendly solar-powered boat with a seating capacity of 24. The service covers a distance of 14 km and takes two hours for a one-way trip. Initially, two services will be run daily, starting at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Passengers will disembark at the Kadinamkulam jetty for a half-hour lake experience, followed by tea and food for tourists. The fare varies based on the route and passenger category, with children below five traveling free of charge. The Minister emphasized the historical significance of the waterway, which dates back 202 years.",
  "summary": "Minister says Veli will be developed into a transport hub and it has immense potential for development in the transport and tourism sectors, given its proximity to major air, rail, water and road transport networks",
  "key_points": [
    "Veli-Kadinamkulam boat service inaugurated by Keralam's transport minister",
    "Eco-friendly solar-powered boat with 24-seating capacity launched",
    "Daily round-trip services from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}