The Wire

River ferries are commonplace here
but this ferryman stands out,
literally.

He collects his passengers from steps cut into the river bank
then safely carries them to the opposite side,
without the use of oars.

Instead, he walks his hands along a guide-rope, 
which spans the river. 

No fares are collected.

This free service prevents his fellow villagers from being isolated by their river.
It is
“pro bono publico”

A far from fashionable concept,
in the West.
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Pictures taken of the river crossing, near Kottayam, Kerala.