Water Metro – Quench your thirst for scenic beauty
After witnessing the newest advancements in air, rail, and road transport, Kochi is bracing up for repeating the same in terms of water transport. The construction of the Kochi Metro which includes 78 modern electrical and hybrid boats which would connect 10 Kochi islands across a distance of 76 kms, is advancing rapidly. Integrated Urban Regeneration is another modern scheme, which connects six canals in Kochi to the way metro, by cleaning and making them suitable for travel.
Market Canal and Edappally Canal are the current top priorities for KMRL. Edappally Canal will be made completely fit for navigation.
The construction of both plans is progressing promptly. As the Water Transport Service is connected to the Kochi Metro Train Service which has already become a sensation among the citizens and is attached to the Kochi Mobility Hub in Vyttila, Kochi will turn itself into a city with fast, convenient, eco-friendly city navigation. Both these plans are executed by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, which is under the leadership of Lokanath Behera, former DGP of Kerala State Police. Kochi Water Metro opens up the possibility to relish the scenic beauty of lakes from the comfort and opulence of luxury ships, that too at affordable rates.
City Navigation Simplified: The New Attractive Canal Transport Scheme
The Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) scheme will connect canals in Kochi city, making them suitable for travel. Under the scheme, Edappally Canal, Market Canal, Thavara Canal, Thevara-Perandoor Canal, Chilavannoor Canal, and Konthuruthi Canal, will be focused on, travel possibilities restored and improved, and preventing logging.
Market Canal and Edappally Canal are the current top priorities for KMRL. Edappally Canal will be made completely fit for navigation. The glory of the Market Canal will be restored by bringing to reality the best amenities and footpaths. LIDAR Survey, Bathymetric Survey, and Geo- Technical studies have all been carried out for the same. The project is funded by KIIFB.
Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority has studied the project report and has recommended the Central Environment Ministry for final approval. The first stages of the project are being undertaken to expect the Central approval to be granted as soon as possible. KMRL aims to execute and complete this project at the earliest, as it will set the stage for a meaningful change in the lives of the Kochi populace.
A modern Waste Management Plant will be established for Kochi, in cooperation with Kerala Water Authority. This will solve the waste management problems that Kochi has been facing for a long time back. The project will be implemented through a unified functioning of various departments. The Pollution Control Board and Wild Life have already approved the project. The project has also received clearance from the State Wetland Authority under the Kochi Corporation’s approval.
Kochi Water Metro is not a mere transportation project. It ensures tourism that aids in the integral growth of the lifestyle of the island residents and exploits all business possibilities.
Kochi Water Metro
The Kochi Water Metro will service in 15 routes in Kochi. This interconnects 10 islands, bringing with it the scenic magic of lake views and mangroves. 78 new model boats will service across a distance of 76 km. There will be 38 boat jetties. The daily commutes of the residents of these islands, which are more than 1 lakh in number, now receive a touch of modernity. Kochi Water Metro is not a mere transportation project. It ensures tourism that aids in the integral growth of the lifestyle of the island residents and exploits all business possibilities. Powered electric boats, which brought in a new wave in the realm of water transport, are being constructed for the water metro. 23 boats with a seating capacity of 100 persons and 55 boats with a seating capacity of 50 persons are being arranged. Boats will service every 10-20 minutes. The boats with a seating capacity of 100 persons are being constructed in the Cochin Shipyard. The construction of 14 of these is progressing. One boat has been handed over after construction. The boat is also unique in that it can be powered by both battery and diesel generator.