A DAY OF DISCOVERY AND ADVENTURE

A Mesmerizing Journey in the Water Metro

Embarking on a journey through Kochi’s enchanting water metro, we immersed ourselves in a day of discovery and adventure. With each route unveiling unique vistas, the water metro’s stylish and soothing atmosphere transformed travel. This mesmerizing experience showcased the potential of public transport in Kerala.

The sun was beaming down on Ernakulam as I received a message from my old friend Arun Chetan, inviting me on an adventure: “Hey, I’m in Ernakulam to meet someone special. Catch me at Kalur Metro Station and give me a ring when you get here!” Excited and with no other plans, I set off for Kalur, eager to discover what he had in store.

As we zipped through the city on the metro, I couldn’t help but think, “Once the Kakkanadu metro expansion is complete, perhaps the chaos on these roads will subside.” Little did I know, Arun had an entirely different plan. At Kalur, he greeted me with two tickets and a shoulder bag, urging me not to disembark. With a twinkle in his eye, he revealed our destination: “We’re heading to Kakkanad to experience the water metro, a state-of-the-art marvel unique to Kochi!”

Intrigued, we continued our journey to the Vytilla Hub metro station and then on to the nearby Watermetro terminal. I was amazed to find the terminal a sleek, modern marvel, floating above the water and boasting cutting-edge amenities. With easy accessibility, it was clear that these terminals were designed for everyone.

As we waited to board, I marveled at the ecofriendly, recyclable smart tickets with NFC tags, a brilliant innovation that I couldn’t resist pocketing as a memento. The terminal was bustling with a diverse array of passengers, illustrating the water metro’s necessity in connecting the people of Kochi. Our 25-minute voyage from Vyttila’s Water Metro Terminal to Kakkanad’s Terminal was a revelation. Cutting through Ernakulam’s notorious traffic, the water metro offered a swift alternative, allowing passengers to escape the sweltering heat and dusty air. Cocooned in cool comfort, we were free to drink in the lush scenery outside.

As we disembarked in Kakkanad, it was clear that this mode of transportation was vital for the area, connecting hubs like Infopark, CES, and the Collectorate. Currently, KSRTC buses bridge the gap, but with the introduction of feeder auto-rickshaws and KSBL-style bus services, navigating the area will become seamless.

Our journey was marked by comfort and convenience, with fully air-conditioned boats and phone charging amenities. The mesmerizing sights and experiences washed away the day’s tensions, and every staff member exuded friendliness and helpfulness.

Eager for more, Arun and I decided to explore the Kochikayal, venturing from the High Court to Vypin. Sipping the famous Kulukki Sarbath at High Court Junction, we joined the bustling terminal, teeming with eager passengers – from children to seniors in wheelchairs. The ticket, priced at just Rs. 20, promised an experience worth every penny.

The High Court-Vypin route offered a stark contrast to our previous journey, treating us to an entirely different panorama. The Shipyard, Vallarpadam Container Terminal, and Port Trust, along with a scattering of boats and ships, created an impressive maritime scene. Amid the sweltering heat, the air-conditioned boat emerged as a true blessing, transforming travel into a stylish and soothing affair.

As we stepped off at Vypin, I couldn’t help but notice the queue of eager travelers forming at the opposite Jangar station, all bound for Fort Kochi. Their reliance on boat travel to escape the road traffic highlighted the necessity of amenities like the water metro. With nearby traders echoing this sentiment, it was clear that despite the increase in bridges and roads, navigating Kochi’s islands remains most convenient by boat.

To our surprise, only a handful of disembarking passengers queued for the next boat. The majority ventured towards the inviting Fort Kochi, Puduvipe beaches, and beyond. Local traders shared their observations of a significant increase in business since the water metro’s inception, as it promises to create a lasting impact on West Kochi’s development by connecting the islands and establishing an expansive network.

Reluctantly, I bid farewell to Arun Chetan at the High Court Terminal. As I prepared to leave, I spotted the MyBike cycles, an initiative launched by Kochi Metro to strengthen public transport systems. Feeling inspired by our day on the metro, I decided to give the cycle a whirl, pedaling my way back to Edapally.

Our day of exploration served as a reminder that Kerala, one of India’s most densely populated regions, grapples with accommodating the sheer volume of vehicles on its roads. The importance of bolstering public transport systems could not be understated. As integrated travel options – including cycling, autorickshaws, buses, boats, and trains – continue to expand, more people will undoubtedly embrace these alternatives, heralding a new era of mobility in Kerala.

As I reflect on our journey, I’m grateful for the kaleidoscope of experiences the water metro offered. From the lush urban vistas of the Vyatila-Kakkanad route to the captivating maritime scene of the Ernakulamto- Vypin journey, each moment was a testament to the beauty and diversity of Kochi’s waterways. With its stylish and soothing atmosphere, the water metro truly transformed travel into a mesmerizing adventure.