Beyond The Backwaters: India's First Water Metro To Extend Reach With Kochi Canal Rejuvenation Plan

As Kochi Water Metro in Kerala approaches its first anniversary, the pioneering initiative in India is setting its sights on ambitious future plans.

One proposal involves launching a service through the city's historically navigable canals.

Kochi is renowned for its intricate network of canals and backwaters. However, many of these waterways have fallen into disrepair over the years, largely due to illegal encroachments and waste dumping.

The canal rejuvenation initiative falls under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System overseen by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The goal is to offer passenger ferry services through these canals to various destinations across the city.

Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, stated that making Kochi's canals navigable again is a long-term vision for the agency.

"The Kochi Water Metro plans to deploy smaller boats capable of navigating the city's canals in the future. As canal development and rejuvenation projects progress, we may introduce smaller boats accommodating 20-25 passengers. This approach aims to reduce operational costs and enhance city connectivity," Behera explained, reports The New Indian Express.

"The canal rejuvenation project will incorporate a water metro component. Eventually, water transport in and around Kochi will be predominantly managed by the water metro," added Behera.

Canal Rejuvenation Project

Six canals in Kochi are earmarked for rejuvenation under this initiative: Edappally canal (11.23 km), Chilavannoor canal (11.15 km), Thevara-Perandoor canal (9.88 km), Thevara canal (1.41 km), Market canal (0.66 km), and Konthuruthy canal (0.67 km).

Despite being a Rs 1,528-crore project funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the project's commencement has been delayed due to various reasons.

The rejuvenated canals will feature meticulously planned embankments, lighting, and walkways, enhancing the overall urban landscape and connectivity in Kochi.

"The objective is to integrate all transportation modes under a unified system," Behera emphasised. He also highlighted plans to enhance the comfort level of water metro boats in the future.

"During a visit to Leningrad, Russia, we observed boats similar to the water metro that offered superior comfort and passenger-friendliness. While our current boats prioritise passenger comfort, future models will strive to set new benchmarks, akin to the Vande Bharat train," he said.

Kochi Water Metro

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 100,000 islanders.

The 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.

Launched on 25 April 2023, the water metro has not only gained popularity locally but has also garnered international acclaim for its 100 per cent sustainable transportation model. This project contributes to India’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2070.