KOCHI: After launching services on High Court-Vypeen and Vyttila-Kakkanad routes, Kochi Water Metro Ltd is planning to extend its operations to South Chittoor and Mulavukadu from High Court Junction terminal by the end of January.
“The trial run on these stretches is going on, and we expect to start services by January-end. The work on pontoons at Fort Kochi terminal is progressing, and we hope to open it by February,” said Loknath Behera, MD of KWML.
Out of 38 terminals, except for Mattancherry, the work on nine terminals has been completed. The nine terminals are Vyttila, Kakkanad, High Court, Bolgatty, Vypeen, Mulavukad North, South Chittoor, Cheranalloor, and Eloor. Five are in advanced stages of construction, and work has been tendered for 14 stations.
“Cochin Shipyard has delivered 12 of the promised 23 ferries to Kochi Water Metro. “Three routes are being operated with 12 ferries of 100 passenger capacity. Additional two services — South Chittoor and Mulavukadu — can be operated with these boats,” said Behera.
However, water metro officials said more boats are needed for services along Fort Kochi and other routes. A total of 14.5 lakh passengers travelled in water metro till January 7, with an average daily ridership of 5,660 passengers.
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