Kochi Water Metro Yet Another Kerala Model for India

Yet another promise made by the Government to the people of Kerala has been fulfilled. The Kochi Water Metro, one of Kerala’s dream projects was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is not only India’s first water metro, but also the first ever integrated water transport system of this size in Asia. This is a proud moment not merely for Kerala, but for the entire country.

A t one point of time water transportation was quite prominently used in Kerala. However later on, its usage dwindled. The Government’s vision is to use it effectively and efficiently, by re-inventing its possibilities in tune with the times. The National Waterways are being renovated and the Kochi Water Metro (KWM) is being operationalised so as to fulfil that vision. Through such interventions, modern, affordable and comfortable public transport systems are being made available to ordinary people. This is our policy being put into action, we are walking the talk.

KWM which will reinvigorate transportation and tourism in Kochi has been brought to life at a cost of Rs. 1,136.83 crores. It comprises direct funding from the GoK and loan from KfW. In the first phase services will commence between the High Court - Vypin and Vyttila - Kakkanad stretches. One can travel from the High Court to Vypin in just 20 minutes and from Kakkanad to Vytilla in just 25 minutes, without being stuck in traffic. The minimum ticket rate is only Rs. 20. Frequent riders can utilise weekly, monthly and quarterly passes. Kochi One cards can be used to travel seamlessly on both Kochi Metro and Kochi Water Metro. Tickets can be obtained digitally through the Kochi One App as well. Once

KWM is fully operational, 78 boats will ply between 38 terminals spread across 10 islands. KWM’s boats are being built by the Cochin Shipyard. These innovative, cutting edge designs, light weight boats are made of Aluminium catamaran hull and FRP superstructure. They are equipped with Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) batteries which have a long life, can be charged quickly and are the safest batteries available commercially today. These boats have the latest navigation and communication equipment and can be monitored and controlled from the state of the art Operating Control Centre (OCC). KWM’s electric-hybrid air conditioned boats which ensure a safe and convenient transportation for the public have already received international acclaim. Last year, KWM won the prestigious Gussies Award (France) for best commercial passenger electric boats in the world. The boats and terminals are differently abled friendly. Floating pontoons will ensure that the terminals are at the same level of the boats at all times, including high and low tides.

Kochi, traditionally known as the Queen of the Arabia Sea, is now often referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. Ten islands in and around Kochi are well inhabited. The islanders have to commute to mainland Kochi on a regular basis to meet almost all their major needs including education, healthcare and livelihood. Though there are boat services that currently connect the city and the islands, quite often they have been pointed out to be inadequate. The State Government is trying to find a permanent solution to this issue through KWM.

Kochi, traditionally known as the Queen of the Arabia Sea, is now often referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala. Ten islands in and around Kochi are well inhabited. The islanders have to commute to mainland Kochi on a regular basis to meet almost all their major needs including education, healthcare and livelihood.

This revolutionary water transport system will invariably improve the socio- economic conditions of the islanders and also help in developing the infrastructure of the islands. However, being a transport system that utilises renewable sources of energy, it is sustainable. The unique design of the boat creates negligible waves and does not disturb the lake’s flora and fauna. It requires only minimal land use and does not require extensive infrastructure development. Therefore, it will go a long way in protecting the fragile ecosystem of the lake. In the first phase itself 34,000 passengers can commute using KWM. This will decongest the roads of Kochi and further reduce the Carbon footprint of the city. Once fully operational, KWM is expected to reduce 44,000 tons of CO2 emission per annum. Thus, it will be a major boost to GoK’s efforts to transform Kerala into a Carbon Neutral State.

Once fully operational, KWM would have the largest fleet of electric boats in the world, serving organised urban water transport. Such an environment friendly water transport system can be adapted in at least 40 other cities in the country. Just as Kerala has been a model for India in the fields of education, health and welfare, we are emerging as a model in urban water transport as well. Novel public transport systems are fundamental in our transformation into a Nava Keralam, and the world class Kochi Water Metro is an integral part of it. Now when it sets sail, it is a dream come true for every Keralite!