Unlocking Kerala's Waterways: IMO Director Proposes Water Metro Implementation Across The State

The director of partnerships and projects at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Jose Mathiekal, has expressed his belief that the successful model of the Kochi Water Metro should be implemented in waterways throughout Kerala and other parts of India.

He sees it as a sustainable green initiative that can be replicated elsewhere.

Following a journey on a Water Metro boat along the Vyttila-Kakkanad route, Mathiekal stated that the project has the potential to be implemented in other countries as well.

The IMO is willing to act as a facilitator in this process. He emphasised the importance of harnessing inland waterways to reduce traffic on roads and lower emissions.

Several months ago, a team from the IMO visited the Kochi Water Metro to analyse the project.

Mathiekal's assessment marks the first official evaluation of the project since its commissioning. He highlighted the global goal of achieving zero emissions in the maritime sector by 2050 and praised the Water Metro project as a significant contribution towards that objective.

Many countries have already expressed interest in adopting a similar model for their own waterways, and discussions have taken place with Kochi Metro officials regarding potential cooperation.

Mathiekal also proposed the formation of clusters similar to the Kochi Water Metro in various waterbodies across different districts.

These clusters could be interconnected to create an integrated and comprehensive transportation system that could replace traditional modes of transportation.

He recommended that both the state government and private companies should consider using water hyacinths to produce environmentally friendly fuel through the use of modern technologies, reports Times Of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 25 April, inaugurated the first phase of the Kochi Water Metro — India's first "Water Metro" service.

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 Kochi water metro project envisages connecting 38 terminals spread across 10 islands in and around Kochi, with a fleet of 78 fast, electrically-propelled hybrid ferries.

The project aims to improve the livelihoods and living standards of both islanders and the general public. It is expected to benefit more than one lakh islanders.

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