KOCHI: For residents and merchants of Fort Kochi — Kochi’s quaint island township that has been on the global tourist map repeatedly for its historical involvement in global trade and the Kochi Muziris Biennale — tourism has been a major source of income.
The Covid pandemic and back-to-back floods had a major impact on its economy and life. Now, with international flights resuming operations, Fort Kochi residents were looking forward to better days, but the island’s poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities and dilapidated roads, are causing concern. The situation is so bad, that commuters, especially pregnant women and those struggling with illnesses, find it difficult to travel. “The roads are bumpy and in some places, the tiles are dislocated, making it difficult to drive or ride,” said Nimmy Joseph, a resident who is five months pregnant.
