Kochi Water Metro - A Water Mark To Cherish!
The southwest city of Kerala, Kochi started the first phase of operating its water metro on 26 April 2023 marking the first large-size integrated water transport in Asia. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th April 2023. The seemingly interesting connectivity registered a footfall of more than 10,000 commuters on its first Sunday service. To squeeze into more about floating metro BW brings Sunday Reads, “Kochi Water Metro - A Water Mark To Cherish!" a quick review with your weekend coffee.
What is the Kochi water metro?
Kochi Water Metro is an integrated ferry transport system implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) in assistance with the German funding agency, Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau. The first water metro system in India to connect 10 island communities of Kochi with the mainland through a fleet of 78 boats.
Curious about the metro boat?
The water metro will serve the city with 78 battery-operated electric hybrid boats, each with a capacity of up to 100 passengers and a seating capacity of 50. There are two types of boats equipped with all modern facilities and air-conditioned service to cover 38 terminals and 16 routes spanning 76 kilometres. Currently, in the first phase, eight boats are serving from 7 am to 8 pm at 15-minute intervals during peak hours.
Routes in operation
In the first phase two routes are in operation –
High Court, Vyttila, Vypin, and Kakkanad are the four terminals.
A pocket-friendly ferry
If you are planning for the ferry, it will cost Rs 20 from High Court to Vypin and Rs 30 from Vyttila to Kakkanad route. One can even use the 'Kochi Metro One' card and the 'Kochi One' app for hassle-free e-tickets.
Image Source: Kochi Water Metro Official Website
How Will Water Metro Benefit Kochi?
The Kochi Water Metro will benefit the commercial city with faster commuter travel. As a socially inclusive transport system, it will help in improving livelihoods through commercial property development and tourism-based initiatives. Further, the water metro is eco-friendly and is likely to reduce Kerala’s pollution graph and road traffic congestion.
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