FCC

Kochi Water Metro expanding connectivity and terminal construction

2023-07-19

Kochi Water Metro, which operates between Vyttila-Kakkanad and High Court Junction-Vypeen routes, is actively working to improve connectivity to remote islands. The company aims to complete the construction of its 32 terminals by December 2024.

Loknath Behera, the Managing Director of Kochi Water Metro and Kochi Metro Rail, stated, "Kochi Water Metro is currently operating on only two routes and has already served over 500,000 passengers. This indicates a significant demand for the Water Metro. If our plans proceed smoothly, all 32 terminals of Kochi Water Metro will be operational by December 2024."

Enhancing connectivity to remote islands will facilitate islanders in reaching the mainland and boost tourism in those areas. Behera expressed, "The availability of connectivity encourages people to visit remote regions. Within a year, we are focused on initiating services to remote islands, including Kadamakudy, depending on the delivery of ferries from Cochin Shipyard (CSL)."

Following the successful launch of the Water Metro, there has been a strong demand to connect Fort Kochi and Mattanchery, popular tourist destinations in the city. Behera commented, "We are determined to commence Kochi Water Metro's services to Fort Kochi by December of this year. The delay in completing the work at Fort Kochi is primarily due to technical issues in setting up a pontoon near the sea. However, the pontoon construction will be finalised by November, and we expect the services to begin by Christmas."

While efforts are being made to enhance connectivity to West Kochi, Kochi Water Metro is also planning to expand its services to the northern parts of the city, covering Chittoor, Eloor, and Cheranalloor. The terminal construction in these areas is nearing completion, and the service will commence once Cochin Shipyard delivers the boats. Currently, Cochin Shipyard has provided nine out of the 23 hybrid vessels to Kochi Water Metro.

Behera emphasised, "The primary objective of the Water Metro is to benefit islanders by offering them a convenient mode of transportation. We expect to receive the next set of boats from Cochin Shipyard by the end of July or early August. Once we receive the boats, we will begin operating the Chittoor-Cheranalloor route from High Court Junction. Cochin Shipyard is working diligently to construct the pontoons."

Additionally, Behera mentioned that Bolgatty will also be included in the Water Metro's coverage as the terminals in that area are ready. KWML has further plans to provide Wi-Fi services on board the boats.