KOCHI: Despite being envisaged for completion within four years of its commencement, work on the Kochi Water Metro project has dragged on for seven years, with much of the planned fleet and terminal infrastructure yet to be realised. Of 78 boats and 38 jetties envisioned under the Rs 1,136-crore project, only 20 boats and 12 terminals have been commissioned.
The project, mostly financed through a long-term loan from KfW Development Bank under Indo-German financial cooperation agreement, was originally proposed to be fully operational by 2019. Though the loan period has been extended multiple times, there has been no let-up in delays. The latest extension will run till June 2027, with another extension now being sought by the implementing agency, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL).
Holdups in the manufacture and delivery of boats by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), contractor timelines, monsoon disruptions, and elections have been cited for the delays.
In all, 26 terminals and 58 boats are yet to be commissioned. The project, proposed in 2015, was planned in two phases based on the projected demand across 16 identified routes. The first phase, scheduled for 2016-17, envisaged operations on seven routes with a fleet of 43 boats. This included 14 boats with a capacity of 100 passengers, 27 boats with a capacity of 50 passengers and two spare vessels. The second phase, proposed for 2018-19, was to extend operations to 16 routes, including nine additional stretches.
The infrastructure plan included 38 jetties, of which 18 were to be developed as major jetties and 20 as minor ones. Three major jetties — Elamkunnapuzha, Kadamakudy and Varapuzha, and seven minor jetties — Amrita Hospital, Chariyamthuruth, Cheranalloor, Eloor, Aster Medcity, Paliyamthuruth and Thundathumkadavu — were earmarked for development in the next phase. Of these, only two minor jetties are currently operational — Eloor and Cheranalloor.
Around 40% of the funds remain unutilised. The repeated extensions have come as the project has continued to fall short of its original fleet and infrastructure targets. With the latest loan period set to expire next June, concerns remain over whether the remaining work can be completed on time. Ridership has also emerged as a concern. Vypeen, Bolgatty and Cheranalloor have recorded lower ridership.
Meanwhile, KMRL has said the construction of new terminals has entered the final stage. “The Kadamakkudy and Paliyamthuruthu terminals are ready and work on approach roads is also nearing completion,” an official statement said. Noting that 30 piling works and five pile-chipping works will be completed in October, it added that contracts for the Edakochi, Varapuzha terminals, the operation control centre (OCC) at the High Court terminal and office facilities can be awarded soon.
“Steps are under way to invite tenders for boat charger infrastructure at Bolgatty, Vyttila, South Chittoor, Kakkanad and Kadamakkudy. Of the remaining three boats from CSL, one will be delivered in December and the other two in June 2028. Tenders have been invited for 15 boats. Of the 16 floating jetties for which casting has been completed, two have already been installed. The remaining jetties will be fully installed by December 2026 after dredging,” it noted.