KOCHI: The success of Kochi Water Metro has inspired a move to replicate this eco-friendly and innovative water transport model across the country, as efforts are now underway to explore its implementation in 18 locations nationwide.
"With its modern facilities, comparable to metro rail systems, and environmentally sustainable design, the Kochi Water Metro has set a new benchmark for urban water transport," said KMTL Managing Director Loknath Behra.
The feasibility study focuses on the possibility of establishing water metro services in areas with rivers, lakes, backwaters, and coastal regions. Potential locations include: Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir Island connections in Andaman and Lakshadweep. Other cities under consideration are Ahmedabad (Sabarmati), Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kollam, Kolkata, Patna, Prayagraj, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kochi (Edakochi) and Vasai.
While the Water Metro services are already available in Kochi, the KMRL is currently studying further expanding the network to nearby satellite townships. "We are exploring whether the terminals such as Kumabalam and Varappuzha can be made hubs and extend the services to places like Kodungallur and Mohamma in Alappuzha district," said a senior official.
Next Steps
Based on the feasibility study's findings, suitable locations will be identified and the KMRL will proceed ahead to prepare the Detailed Project Reports (DPR). This ambitious project aims to harness water bodies for sustainable urban transport, revolutionizing mobility in multiple cities across the nation. The national expansion of the Kochi Water Metro model underscores Kerala’s leadership in sustainable development and modern transport innovation.
Last November, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) the task of conducting a feasibility study to assess the potential for similar water metro systems in diverse regions. With the recent approval of its Board of Directors to form a consultancy wing, KMRL has formed an in-house committee to lead the initial work. If needed, external experts will be brought in to strengthen the process.
The initiative highlights Kerala's innovation and the expertise of KMRL. Despite the technical complexities of introducing water metros in varied terrains, KMRL’s skilled workforce and operational experience offer a solid foundation for the project's success.