Boating at airport

Arjun RaghunathFirst Published : 23 Apr 2010 01:49:00 AM ISTLast Updated :

Sailing into an airport that is rich in trees and plants might be a wild imagination. But, the new International terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram airport would have such a unique attraction, if the State Government seriously considers a proposal mooted by the Airport officials. Sensing the potential of the Parvathi Puthanar canal that flows right in front of the new terminal, Airport officials have submitted a proposal to the State Government to develop the canal and introduce boat services.


Developing a waterway in front of the airport would definitely be a major tourist attraction. Moreover, it would also offer a cheaper mode of transport to an from the airport, says the proposal that was submitted by Airport Director V.N. Chandran to the Government recently.

It urges the Government to take the initiative to facilitate effective use of the Parvathi Puthanar and make the Kovalam - Chackai strip transport-worthy as a first step. It is also being pointed out that introducing boat services may also discourage the tendency of polluting the canal by dumping garbage. The proposal is under the consideration of the Government. Meanwhile, saplings of more than 20 varieties of trees and plants, including medicinal plants and rare trees, are being planted on the premises of the new terminal, which is almost ready for inauguration.

‘‘We would like to present a pleasing view to those who reach the airport and hence a rich garden is being developed. Tourists reaching the State though Thiruvananthapuram airport should get a feel of the State right at the airport itself,’’ says the Airport Director.

‘Nermarathu’, ‘Elanji’, ‘Ashokam’, ‘Cheruthekku’, Mango, ‘Kattarvazha’, ‘Adalodakam’, Neem, ‘Njaval’, ‘Arayal’, ‘Kanikonna’... thus goes the list of plants and trees being planted on the airport premises. The saplings are being planted after taking advice from experts, said Airport sources.

INAUGURATION LIKELY ON MAY 15

The new terminal is likely to be inaugurated on May 15. Though it was initially planned to be opened in January, it got delayed owing to the non-completion of the work on the approach road which is being carried out by state government agency KITCO. Sources said that KITCO officials had promised that the work would be completed by the first week on May. Hence, the inauguration of the new terminal has been tentatively fixed for May 15.