Seventy-four boats will compete across nine categories today, vying for supremacy on the exhilarating waters of Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, from 11 am as the 70th Nehru Trophy Boat Race finally becomes a reality. The event will be inaugurated by Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas at 2 pm, though the heats will begin at 11 am. With just a few hours left for the regatta, the district is already decked up and reverberates with the ‘vallamkali’ rhythms. Here’s what you should know on the day:
The order of events
The heats will begin at 11 a.m. with the smaller boats, such as the vepp A grade, iruttukuthi C grade, and iruttukuthi B grade, followed by the chundan, aka snakeboats. The churulan, iruttukuthi A grade, vepp B grade, thekkanodi kettu, and thekkanodi thara will only have final rounds.
Starting and finishing points
The starting point of the event is a boat jetty named Punnamada starting point. The finishing point is where the seating arrangements are set up. There is also an LED Display Wall at the finishing point for the audience to know exact finishing time of the boats, with clarity.
Traffic restrictions
The restrictions are on from 9 am today. No parking will be allowed from 6 am onwards at the roadside, in the stretch between the General Hospital junction (south side) to Kaichoondi Junction and Kommadi Junction. Between 7 am and 7 pm, vehicles won’t be allowed between the south side junction of the district court to the Thathampilly Kaayal Kurisadi Junction. Only KSRTC will be allowed between YMCA Junction and the Fire and Safety Office area. Those coming via the Thanneermukkam Road to watch the event should park their vehicles at the SDV School Ground. Those reaching from the Ernakulam side via the National Highway should also do the same, taking the Kommadi - Savakottappalam - Vadakke Junction route. Those coming from Changanassery side should park at the Carmel School ground.
26 buses to serve spectators
Around 26 buses will be available from the KSRTC depot of Alappuzha for spectators heading to Ernakulam, Changanassery, Kayamkulam, Kottayam, Chengannur, and Kottarakkara. If required, extra services will also be in place, said KSRTC. The Alappuzha depot will also provide ticket facilities for those who want to book boat race tickets.
