Kochi Water Metro Extends Reach: Trials From High Court To South Chittoor To Commence Soon

Residents in Kochi's northern region, grappling with the challenge of accessing the city centre due to a lack of efficient public transportation, can anticipate improved connectivity as the Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KMWL) prepares to initiate the trial service.

The Kochi Water Metro is an integrated water transport initiative that seeks to enhance connectivity between the mainland and the islands of Kochi.

The project aims to improve the livelihoods and living standards of both islanders and the general public. It is expected to benefit more than 1,00,000 islanders.

Set to commence next week, the trial will run from the High Court Terminal to South Chittoor, offering a promising solution to longstanding transportation issues in the area.

The final route and schedule of the service will be determined based on the trial's outcomes, with a dedicated schedule prepared considering the running time observed during the trial period.

Additionally, trials for charging stations and pontoons installed at the terminals will be conducted as part of the testing phase. Terminals at Cheranelloor and Eloor are also geared up for operation along with South Chittoor.

Currently, the Water Metro operates 12 boats across three existing routes: High Court Junction to Vypeen, High Court to Bolgatty, and Vyttila to Kakkanad. The trial service to South Chittoor marks the second phase of Water Metro services.

CEO of KWML, Sajan P John, outlined the expansion plans, stating, “We are planning to start the service from HC terminal to South Chittoor with 12 boats, and service on more routes in northern areas would be launched after the delivery of more boats from Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), reports Economic Times.

As Mulavukad terminal is located between the HC and South Chittoor, we are trying to link the HC-South Chittoor service with Mulavukad also.”

South Chittoor is envisioned to become the third Water Metro hub in Kochi, following Vyttila and High Court. The terminal at Chittoor is poised to be the starting point for services to northern regions, including Eloor, Cheranelloor, Chennur, Puthiya Thuruth, Kadamakkudy, and Mulavukad North terminals, with terminal construction in these locations reaching its final stages.

The Water Metro's extension to South Chittoor and other northern areas is anticipated to bring significant development to Chittoor, Kothad, and surrounding regions.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) projects an increase in ridership with the launch of the new service, with an average of 8,000 to 9,000 riders on weekends and around 4,000 riders on other days.

The Kochi Water Metro project is expected to significantly reduce travel time from one part of the city to another. It is projected to decongest the city's ever-increasing traffic and significantly reduce the city's carbon impact.

Once Phase I is fully operational in 2024, it is expected to serve 34,000 passengers a day.