Kochi Water Metro: KWML To Roll Out Service To Fort Kochi From 21 April, To Boost Tourism

Starting this Sunday (21 April), tourists and locals heading to Fort Kochi can look forward to a smoother commute, bypassing congested roads and bridges.

The Kochi Water Metro is set to launch its ferry service on this route, providing a convenient alternative for travellers.

Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) has announced the operation of its electric hybrid ferries between the High Court terminal and the newly constructed Fort Kochi terminal near the famous beach walkway. This move follows the delivery of the 14th ferry out of the 23 ordered by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) from Cochin Shipyard.

After successful trial runs in the corridor, the ferry service is ready to commence, complete with ticketing and necessary infrastructure.

Ferries will ply the route every 20 to 30 minutes, charging a fare of Rs 40 per person. This service is expected to greatly benefit not only daily commuters but also city visitors and vacationers keen on exploring Fort Kochi's attractions.

Earlier delays in launching the service were attributed to insufficient ferries and pending statutory clearances for the Fort Kochi terminal. Fort Kochi, known for its Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, and homestays, is a popular tourist spot. The upcoming ferry terminal at Mattancherry heritage town, located nearby, is currently under construction.

Since its launch a year ago, the Water Metro project has served 19.31 lakh passengers across its 13 ferries. KWML aims to accommodate 10,000 daily commuters with its current fleet.

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.

Once operational, the water metro project will link 38 terminals across 10 islands, deploying 78 electric boats for efficient and sustainable transportation. The boats constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), are hybrid and battery-powered.

The project, valued at Rs 1,136.83 crore, is slated for completion by December 2024. Once Phase-I is fully operational in 2024, it is expected to serve 34,000 passengers a day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Kochi Water Metro in April last year, with an impressive ridership of over 17.5 lakh passengers. The ticket prices for the new routes are expected to range from Rs 20 to Rs 40, making it an affordable and convenient mode of transportation for the residents of Kochi.

The Kochi Water Metro, when finished, will be the world's largest system of centrally managed urban water transportation.