Water Metro Expansion to Chittoor, Cheranelloor Unlikely, Officials Say.

Increasing the frequency of Water Metro services between South Chittoor and Cheranelloor is unlikely in the near future, as Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) focuses on expanding other routes, particularly Mattancherry and Bolgatty.

Water Metro terminals at South Chittoor, Mulavukad North, Cheranelloor, and Eloor were inaugurated in March last year. At present, only four services operate between High Court and South Chittoor, with two services each in the morning and evening. Similarly, only five services connect the Cheranelloor and Eloor terminals, with an interval of over 90 minutes between each.

Despite having 17 boats, with two more expected soon from Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), KWML is prioritizing new routes over increasing services on the existing South Chittoor and Cheranelloor routes. Upcoming expansions include the opening of Mattancherry and Willingdon Island terminals, along with additional services on those routes.

Due to a shortage of boats and lower demand on the South Chittoor and Cheranelloor routes, KWML has not made plans to boost frequency. The low ridership is attributed to poor service timings, inadequate last-mile connectivity, and irregular boat schedules. Ebencer Chullikkad of the Kochi Metro Passengers Association urged KWML to improve scheduling and increase service frequency.

Despite these issues, KWML offers discounted fares, with travel passes allowing regular commuters to pay as little as Rs. 10 for travel, compared to Rs 18 for a bus ride from South Chittoor to High Court.

ET