The project will also assess the environmental impact of the entire system, from infrastructure to operations, to secure certification under internationally recognised carbon credit standards.
A source confirmed that no formal complaint was received regarding the garba incident, and no action has been initiated against the passengers involved as yet.
Gafoor said the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada together have nearly 186 backwater stretches that could potentially be utilised for a water metro project.
Johnson, who became a household name after finishing first in the 100-m sprint in 1988 Olympics, was in Kochi as part of his Kerala visit and chose to explore the city through the water metro.
