KMRL To Transform Kochi’s Canals Into Navigable, Flood-Resistant Waterways: Report

Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has accelerated its plan to revive the city’s neglected canals, aiming to make them navigable and flood-resistant under the Rs 3,716.10-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS).

The state cabinet granted administrative approval for the revised estimate in May, reported The New Indian Express.

KMRL will soon begin desilting and restoring the Chilavannoor and Market canals. The Chilavannoor work costs Rs 8.40 crore, while the Market canal project, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), has an allocation of Rs 28.77 crore.

The project will rejuvenate six major canals — Perandoor, Chilavannoor, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market — to create a seamless water transport network.

The revitalised Chilavannoor canal will connect to Elamkulam metro station, linking with the Vyttila-Thevara Water Metro route. KMRL plans boat services along the Edappally and Chilavannoor canals, creating an 11.5-km navigable stretch from Muttar to Chithrapuzha.

To curb canal pollution, authorities will construct a new sewage treatment plant at Elamkulam. Infrastructure upgrades include a 90-metre span bridge on Bund Road and the reconstruction of a narrow bridge on Subhash Chandra Bose Road, which has been re-tendered.

Beautification plans feature a walkway and seating areas along Chilavannoor canal banks, awaiting KIIFB approval.

A KMRL official said these elements aim to create new recreational hubs and improve urban living standards.

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