The Kochi Corporation has initiated discussions with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on taking over operations of its fleet of roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessels, the third of which was launched here on Monday.

While a private agency has also expressed interest in running round-the-clock ro-ro services, the Corporation remains wary, as such a move could invite criticism of privatisation.

Mayor V.K. Minimol said KMRL was open to the arrangement, though the terms and conditions would need to be worked out. “A new arrangement will have to wait two to three months since the existing two ro-ro vessels must undergo dry docking, which is overdue. All three vessels will have to be handed over in perfect condition under the new arrangement. We are confident of reaching an understanding with KMRL by then,” she said.

The dry docking of the two ro-ro vessels, originally due in last December, has already been extended by two years. The current operator, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), has insisted against further delay, arguing that the extension was granted after inspecting only the hull, without assessing the machinery, which is critical to safety. The dry docking of the two vessels is estimated to cost the Corporation around ₹4.5 crore.

Before any new arrangement, the Corporation will also have to resolve issues with KSINC, including its claims of around ₹95 lakh in accumulated losses. KSINC has attributed the mounting losses to unchanged fares dating back to the era of jhankar services, which preceded ro-ro, despite fuel costs nearly doubling since the launch.

“Interestingly, after years of accumulated losses, ro-ro has reportedly registered profits over the past two months after the Corporation strongly objected to the way the services were being run. We are yet to receive the official accounts, though. This has been attributed to the suspension of operations of the passenger ferry Fort Queen. However, this seems improbable as the ferry has not been operating for years,” said Ms. Minimol. The development appears to validate a report submitted by a Corporation executive engineer in April, which found that the cash-guzzling ro-ro service could be viable if managed efficiently.

During a council meeting in March, councillors across political affiliations had criticised the manner in which ro-ro services were being operated and the liability they imposed on the Corporation. The civic body’s Budget for 2026–27 had proposed the formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage the service, drawing criticism from the LDF, which described it as potential privatisation. Discussions on forming an SPV have been ongoing since 2020, but little progress has been made.