Thiruvananthapuram, a light and sound show, showcasing the history of Kerala with its focus on the teachings of social reformer Saint Sri Narayana Guru, will be launched at Chillakur Tunnel near Varkala on February 16.
This will be the country’s first visual display for visitors to be displayed inside a tunnel, supported by video mapping technology, according to an official statement issued on Monday.
The Chilakur Tunnel, which was renovated as part of the first phase of the Akkulam-Chitova Water Corridor Project, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The 280 km long Akkulam-Chetova Waterway is part of the 616 km long Kovalam-Bekal Waterway Project, which is a milestone in the development of inland waterways in Kerala, expanding the sand business in the state as a multi-modal logistics hub and enhancing the potential of water-based tourism in the state.
The tunnel renovation work was undertaken by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture between the state government and Cochin International Airport Limited.
She added that CIAL will also launch an electric boat integrated with a sound and light system so that tourists can enjoy the visual spectacle inside the tunnel.
The display, supported by tunnel surface mapping technology, was designed and implemented at a cost of $4.5 Crores.
A 3D video will be broadcast taking viewers through the scenic landscape of Kerala, crucial moments of the development of literature and literary icons, tourist destinations and diversity of culture.
A six-minute visual on the life and teachings of Sri Narayana Guru, who pioneered the social reform movement in Kerala, is the highlight of the show, said S Suhas, Director, KWIL.
Students and faculty of RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Thripunithura, Kochi, created pictorial frames of the Guru’s life, which were animated using cutting-edge technology.
The boat ride and the light and sound show will create the Chillakur panoramic beach as an attractive destination, adding a big boost to water tourism in Kerala, Suhas said.
The custom-designed 20-seater electric boat has been built by Kochi-based startup NavAlt Green Mobility.
The ship is equipped with four high-intensity laser projectors, advanced on-board acoustic systems and battery power, ensuring a synchronized and environmentally friendly visual spectacle.
KWIL is also setting up a beach promenade and boat jetty on the canal and the Kerala Hedgeale Tourism Center will set up a ticket office for visitors.
The Chilakur Tunnel is a 350-metre-long engineering marvel, designed to make inland navigation hassle-free in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.
The statement added that the canal has been restored to a navigable condition as part of the state government’s inland waterways development project.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
