"District to Gain Five Additional Water Metro Terminals by September"

Kochi Water Metro, which celebrates its first anniversary on Thursday, is set to expand its network by opening five additional routes in the city and suburbs by September. This significant expansion aims to enhance connectivity and accommodate the growing demand for water transport in the region.

Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) announced on Wednesday that it will open new routes to Kumbalam, Paliyamthuruth, Willingdon Island, Kadamakkudy, and Mattancherry. The terminals in these areas are under rapid construction, with services expected to commence by September, once Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivers five more boats to KWML.

The country's first water metro service began operations on April 25, 2023, with nine electric hybrid boats manufactured by CSL. In its inaugural year, the service transported over 19.72 lakh passengers across its initial two routes. Currently, the Water Metro operates on six routes, including the newly opened High Court-Fort Kochi route.

As a unique concept, the Water Metro has attracted many tourists visiting Kochi, eager to explore the backwaters. However, KWML plans to focus on encouraging local commuters, particularly island residents, to use the Water Metro for daily transport. The use of travel passes enables regular passengers to travel for as little as Rs 10, offering a more cost-effective alternative to buses, which typically cost between Rs 20 and Rs 40.

To attract more daily commuters, KWML is working to improve first and last-mile connectivity, facilitating easier access to and from Water Metro terminals. Plans are underway to introduce electric buses and e-auto rickshaws as feeder services, connecting metro stations with water metro terminals

Despite these expansion efforts, the limited number of boats remains a challenge for increasing services. Kochi Metro authorities have issued tenders for 15 additional boats, with the first phase order comprising 23 boats from CSL. CSL has already delivered 14 boats to KWML, with more expected by September.

In celebration of the first anniversary, KWML Managing Director Loknath Behra traveled on the Kochi Water Metro with notable guests, including actor Mia George, environmentalist Murali Tummarukudi, and professor M K Sanoo, showcasing the Water Metro's achievements and ongoing efforts to expand its reach and impact.

ET