On February 26, 2026, Kerala turned a historic page in its inland water transport and tourism story. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Phase I of the 280-km Akkulam–Chettuva Waterway, a crucial segment of the West Coast Canal Renovation Project aimed at revitalising navigable waterways from Kovalam to Bekal along the Kerala coast.
Historic Chilakoor Tunnel Reopens After 150 Years
At the heart of this milestone lies the renovated Chilakoor Tunnel in Varkala — a heritage engineering marvel originally built during the Travancore era in the 1860s. The 350-metre stretch, long closed due to silting and neglect, has been restored to navigable condition with meticulous effort to retain its historical character.
The reopening of this tunnel marks a first in India — an immersive light-and-sound show inside a heritage water tunnel, staged through cutting-edge projection mapping technology. The show takes visitors on a visual journey through the life and teachings of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, his deep association with Varkala, and Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry.
EKA: A Sustainable Vessel at the Core of Kerala’s Water Tourism Vision
A core highlight of the inauguration was the launch of an eco-friendly electric boat service through the Chilakoor Tunnel. Tourists will be able to glide through the waterway on a zero-emission, battery-powered vessel equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, experiencing the immersive light-and-sound show from the deck.
This electric boat — proudly built by Navalt — represents exactly what Kerala’s waterways vision stands for: sustainable, low-carbon mobility that enhances tourism while preserving the environment.
Why EKA Matters
- Zero Emissions: Operating entirely on electric propulsion, eliminating noise and air pollution from a pristine waterway corridor.
- Tourist Experience: Thoughtfully integrated with onboard AV systems to complement the tunnel’s light-and-sound narrative, providing a seamless, immersive journey.
- Heritage Meets Innovation: EKA bridges Kerala’s rich history with modern technology — navigating a historic canal that once connected Kerala’s inland communities while showcasing tomorrow’s clean-energy transportation.
Aligning with Kerala’s Infrastructure Vision
The Chief Minister also announced plans to extend the Akkulam–Chettuva waterway all the way to the Vizhinjam International Seaport, expanding Kerala’s connectivity and offering multi-modal alternatives for cargo and tourism alike.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to transform the state’s water infrastructure into an eco-tourism and transport backbone, stimulating local jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting investments along its route.
A New Era for Waterways
With the reopening of the Chilakoor Tunnel and the launch of electric boating experiences like those offered by EKA, Kerala is leading India’s efforts in sustainable water transport and heritage tourism. The project not only rewrites the legacy of historic waterways but also sets a benchmark for how modern electric mobility can coexist with cultural preservation.
As visitors embark on their first journeys through the tunnel aboard EKA — listening to stories of reformers, culture, and coastal heritage — it’s clear that Kerala’s waterways are not just being revived; they are being reimagined for a greener, richer tomorrow.
Sandith Thandasherry 