Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092759861000.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Transport system needs improvement, say tourists

K.S. Sudhi

— Photo: Vipin Chandran

Better services in demand: Tourists relaxing at Marine Drive, in Kochi.

KOCHI: Overflowing litter bins, inefficient public transport system and potholed roads are deterring the tourists in Kochi at a time when the city is readying to welcome the survivors of nuclear holocaust in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Volvo Ocean Race.

“The roads of Kochi are like the ones back in Poland, in bad shape,” said Michal, a surveyor from Poland, who reached the city the other day.

“It’s mind-boggling”. That was his reaction to the heavy flow of traffic he witnessed on the roads. The city needs to have more public toilets where one can take a shower and the toilets needs to be properly set up, he said.

Some improvement in the public transport system is needed especially in places like railway stations. These centres should also be kept clean, he said.

He also rued the fact that “don’ts” dominated the literature available in Poland about India. The travel guidelines don’t speak much about what one can see and do in India. Instead they caution visitors not to drink water and milk and a whole lot of other things, he said.

Collin Manvell, a retired geography teacher from England, also felt the need for improving the public transport system especially the services to the rural areas of Kochi.

“The rural areas of the city need to be highlighted as tourist attractions. We can see shopping malls and huge structures anywhere in the world and one need not come to Kochi for that, he said. People will also be interested to know more abut the rural life and the traditional industries of the State,” he said.

“The preparation of spices is one important aspect that has not been highlighted by the tourism authorities. In England, we get the spices in jars. But we don’t know how it is prepared. You can very well show us the treatment of spices including its drying process,” he suggested.

More litter bins should be put up in the city and they should be emptied at regular intervals, said Mr. Manvell while taking a stroll along the Marine Drive.

All the litter bins in the walkway at Marine Drive were found overflowing.

He also complained about the garbage that has piled up along the sea shore and beaches where tourists are coming in large numbers. More scientific tourist maps should be produced to help tourists explore Kochi better, he suggested.

Even while pointing out the shortfalls in the tourism system of Kochi, Mr. Michal and Mr. Manvell had a few good things to tell. They were all praise for the good food that was available in the eateries of Kochi. The city is inexpensive when compared to Poland. The people are very friendly and the atmosphere is pleasant, said Mr. Michal. Even while appreciating the good food, Mr. Michal had a request to the hotels and restaurants. "Keep more knives on the table along with spoon and fork," he said.