On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first water metro in Kerala’s Kochi district. The Rs 1,137 crore project, funded by the German funding agency KFW and the Kerala government, aims to connect ten small islands around Kochi with boats running on hybrid power. The main focus of the project is to provide a cheap mode of transport for commuters and tourists while reducing carbon emissions.
What is Kerala’s Water Metro?
Kerala is a state in the southwest region of India with a vast network of backwaters, canals, and rivers. Inland water transport has been a primary means of transport for freight and passengers, making it an ideal place for a water metro. The Kochi Water Metro (KWM) will serve as an extension of that. It will use ferry boats on various routes to connect the ten islands of Kochi.
Routes and Fleet Size
Under the project, 15 identified routes will be developed to connect ten islands along a network of routes that span 78 km with a fleet of 78 electrically-propelled hybrid ferries plying to 38 jetties. More than 100,000 islanders are expected to benefit from the water metro.
Benefits of the Water Metro
The KWM project will bring a new era of connectivity and mobility to the city, revolutionizing the way people travel in Kochi. The water metro is expected to offer a fast, comfortable, and affordable mode of transport to the people of Kochi. The water metro will also help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The boats used in the project are environmentally friendly and will not cause any pollution.
Integration with Kochi Metro Rail
The Kochi One Card is a smart card that integrates the services of the water metro and Kochi Metro Rail. It is an excellent option for people who frequently travel on both modes of transport. There are special passes available that can cover 12 trips for Rs 180, monthly passes for 50 trips for Rs 600, and quarterly passes for 150 trips for Rs 1,500.
Ticket Prices
Tickets for the KWM will cost between Rs 20 and Rs 40 and can be booked digitally through the Kochi One App. The affordable ticket prices are expected to attract a large number of commuters and tourists, making it a popular mode of transport in Kochi.
Boats’ Features
Each boat used in the KWM project has 50 seats and can carry 100 passengers. A boat will have 21 security cameras and 110 lifejackets. The air-conditioned boats, modeled in the shape of Metro trains, are manufactured at Cochin Shipyard, making them a perfect fit for the project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kochi Water Metro is a game-changer for Kerala’s urban transport, as it will provide a cheap mode of transport for commuters and tourists while reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The water metro project has a positive impact on the environment and will contribute to the sustainable development of the city. The integration of the Kochi One Card with the services of the water metro and Kochi Metro Rail will make it easier for people to travel within the city. The KWM project is a step towards a smarter, greener, and more connected city.
