The new services provided by KWML will primarily focus on improving connectivity between the island areas on the northern side of the city.
The Kochi Water Metro is preparing to launch more routes to connect Kochi’s islands to the mainland.
In addition to the upcoming services from Bolgatty, South Chittoor, Cheranalloor, Mulavukad North, and Eloor in October, Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) has plans to launch services from Fort Kochi by November.
By the end of this month, Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), the manufacturer of Water Metro boats, is expected to deliver two more boats to KWML.
This year, a total of nine more boats will be introduced for the new services.
KWML has strategic plans to develop the South Chittoor terminal as a hub for the Water Metro services connecting the northern region of the city. One of the new services will operate on the High Court-Bolgatty-South Chittoor route. The terminal at Bolgatty is already prepared for functioning.
The current service between High Court and Vypeen does not make a stop at Bolgatty in order to maintain the service’s time schedule.
A new service will be introduced between Cheranalloor and Eloor. Terminal buildings in these locations have already been constructed, and the construction of floating pontoons will begin soon.
Another upcoming service will connect Mulavukad North to the mainland. The terminal works for this service are in their final stage.
The new services provided by KWML will primarily focus on improving connectivity between the island areas on the northern side of the city. This initiative is in response to the struggles faced by residents in these areas due to inadequate transport facilities, reports Economic Times.
The construction of the terminal at Fort Kochi is nearing completion, but KWML has plans to build a marine platform in the vicinity.
This is necessary as the area is located at the confluence of backwaters and the Arabian Sea, requiring stringent safety measures to be implemented for passenger boats.
Tragedy struck in 2015 when a passenger boat carrying 35 people capsised near the Fort Kochi boat jetty, resulting in the loss of seven lives.
Currently, KWML operates services on the High Court-Vypeen and Vyttila-Kakkanad routes, utilising a fleet of nine boats.
In response to the requests of commuters, the Vyttila-Kakkanad route now offers more frequent services.
As part of their efforts to increase passenger numbers, the KWML has introduced AC feeder bus services that connect the Kakkanad Water Metro terminal to Infopark.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 25 April, inaugurated the first phase of the Kochi Water Metro — India’s first “Water Metro” service.
The Kochi water metro project envisages connecting 38 terminals spread across 10 islands in and around Kochi, with a fleet of 78 fast, electrically-propelled hybrid ferries.
KWML aims to complete the construction of 32 terminals by December 2024.
Enhancing connectivity to remote islands will not only benefit the islanders in reaching the mainland but also promote tourism in those areas.
Kochi Water Metro
The Kochi Water Metro is an integrated water transport initiative that seeks to enhance connectivity between the mainland and the islands of Kochi.
Water Metro Route Network map (KMRL)
The project aims to improve the livelihoods and living standards of both islanders and the general public. It is expected to benefit more than one lakh islanders.
Once Phase-I is fully operational in 2024, it is expected to serve 34,000 passengers a day.