KOCHI: After being entrusted with exploring the feasibility of replicating the Kochi model in 20 cities across the country, the Kochi Water Metro is now going global. The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is in talks with several countries to help implement a similar water transport system in those nations.
“KMRL managing director Loknath Behera is holding talks with the representatives of several countries. The names of the countries will be revealed after the discussions conclude,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, while inaugurating the Mattancherry and Willingdon Island metro terminals, in Kochi on Saturday. According to sources, nine countries, including developed nations, have evinced interest in replicating the Kochi Water Metro model.
Inaugurating the terminals, Pinarayi said, “over 1,000 commuters are expected to travel daily in the High Court -Willingdon Island-Mattancherry section. The launch of the services will help boost the tourism sector majorly,” he said.
The launch of the new services — from Sunday (8am to 6pm) — will spur the development of Mattacherry, by facilitating quick and easy travel.
The CM said the Water Metro, inaugurated in 2023, has in just two years increased its ridership to nearly half a crore, comprising both daily commuters and tourists. “The water metro will soon expand to Kadamakudy, where the terminal construction is in the final stages. The tendering process for the Edakochi and Thoppumpady terminals will begin soon,” he said.
Water Metro helping reduce greenhouse emissions: Min
“Once the stations come up, boat services will be operated connecting Ernakulam, Mattancherry, Thoppumpady, Edakochi and Kumbalam, which will form a water circuit,” Pinarayi said.
Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who presided over the function, noted that the Water Metro is helping reduce greenhouse emissions in Kochi. Behra said the construction of Mattancherry terminal, which is built completely on water using floating pontoons, was very challenging. “With the launch of the service, commuters can travel to Willingdon Island in 15 minutes and Mattancherry in 25 minutes from Kochi, cutting the travelling time considerably,” he said.
