Water Metro

Kochi Water Metro
Kochi Water Metro

Kochi Water Metro

On April 25, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s inaugural Water Metro in Kochi, Kerala. This groundbreaking urban mass transit system offers a seamless and convenient travel experience, akin to traditional metro systems. PM Modi, recognizing it as a visionary project for the state, proudly launched the Water Metro, marking a significant milestone for Kochi’s growth and development

Main Features

  • World’s first electric ferry transit project
  • The metro with 78 electric air-conditioned boats and 38 terminals- set up at a cost of ₹1,136.83 crore in the port city – will connect 10 islands in and around Kochi.
  • 15 routes
  • Travel between High Court Terminal to Vypin Terminal in less than 20 minutes.
  • It has been built at a cost of Rs.1,136.83 crore.
  • The metro project will start with Eight electric hybrid boats manufactured by the Cochin Shipyard Limited.
  • Wide glass windows to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Water Metro route.
  • Fully Air-Conditioned. 
  • Fully covered closed doors.
  • Safety jacket for toddlers, children and passengers.
  • Each boat features a feeding room.
  • The boats have twin-engine catamaran type design for emergencies. 
  • Kerala Govt and German Company KFW are funding the project.
  • Kochi One Card, to be valid for both Kochi Metro Rail and Kochi Water Metro.

Details of Boats

  • 15 boasts, service from 7 am to 8 pm from April 26, 2023
  • Eight boats are in the services.
  • The boats can be run both on battery and diesel. 
  • The boat can attain a speed of 8 nautical miles per hour while running on electrical engine and 10 nautical miles on diesel.
  • It takes 15 minutes for full battery charging.
  • Each boat will have a passenger carrying capacity of 100 people with 50 seats and 50 standing. 
  • Facility  to prevent travelling of over 100 passengers. 
  • The count of the occupants will be taken mechanically, and the same will be flashed on a digital board. 
  • Only 100 persons will be allowed to the pontoon, the platform in between the terminal and the boat, at a time. 

Route / Fare Details

15 battery – operated electric hybrid boats will conduct regular services in eight routes from April 26, providing seamless connectivity with the island around the city. The first services will be in the  High Court  – Vypeen route (Rs 20 ticket fare), followed by that in the Vytilla – Kakkanad section (Rs.30 ticket fare) from April 27 onwards. The service will be operated from 7 am to 8 pm. The minimum ticket rate for Kochi Water Metro will be Rs.20 while the maximum Rs.40/-. During peak hours, the services will be held every 15 minutes. The services schedule will be prepared on the basis of commuter demand in the initial few days. A concession in travel passes has been announced in connection with the inauguration.

A person can travel 12 times using a weekly pass, which will cost Rs.180/-. The monthly pass, costing Rs.600/- will facilitate 50 journey, while the three-month pass, costing Rs.1500, will facilitate 150 journeys. 

One can purchase one-time ticket and pass from the ticket counters in terminals. The Kochi One Card, used in Kochi Metro, can also be used in the Kochi Water Metro. One can also travel using the Mobile QR Code received upon booking the ticket digitally using Kochi One App.

Water Metro Fare Chart

Trip PassNo of TripsValidityPrice
Weekly 127 daysRs.180
Monthly5030 daysRs.600
Quarterly15090 daysRs.1500

Key Details of the Project

Kerala Water Metro is a project aimed at easing the transportation problems faced by the people of Kochi, Kerala. It is a first-of-its-kind project in India and is being implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The project involves the construction of waterways and the operation of modern water vessels. The project has two phases: Phase I involves the construction of 16 terminals, while Phase II involves the construction of 10 additional terminals.

Here are some key details about the project:

  • The Kerala Water Metro project is expected to cover 15 routes with a total length of around 78 km.
  • The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 747 crore (about $100 million).
  • The project will be implemented in two phases, with Phase I covering a distance of 41 km and Phase II covering a distance of 37 km.
  • The water vessels used for the project will be equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and CCTV cameras.
  • The project is expected to provide employment to around 1,000 people.
  • The project is expected to benefit around 5 lakh (500,000) people who live along the waterways.
  • The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Kochi, as people will be able to use the waterways to commute to their workplaces and other destinations.
  • The project is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in the coming years.

FAQs

✅ What is Water Metro?

Water Metro is a unique urban mass transit system with the same experience and ease of travel as that of the conventional metro system.

✅ What is the Kerala Water Metro?

  • The Kerala Water Metro is a transportation project aimed at easing the transportation problems faced by the people of Kochi, Kerala. It involves the construction of waterways and the operation of modern water vessels to connect various parts of the city.

✅Who is implementing the Kerala Water Metro project?

  • The project is being implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Kerala.

✅What is the expected cost of the Kerala Water Metro project?

  • The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 747 crore (about $100 million).

✅How many routes will the Kerala Water Metro cover?

  • The Kerala Water Metro project is expected to cover 15 routes with a total length of around 78 km.

✅How many terminals will be constructed as part of the Kerala Water Metro project?

  • The project has two phases: Phase I involves the construction of 16 terminals, while Phase II involves the construction of 10 additional terminals.

✅How will the water vessels used for the Kerala Water Metro be equipped?

  • The water vessels used for the project will be equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and CCTV cameras.

✅How many people are expected to benefit from the Kerala Water Metro project?

  • The project is expected to benefit around 5 lakh (500,000) people who live along the waterways.

✅What are the benefits of the Kerala Water Metro project?

  • The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Kochi, provide employment opportunities, and offer a safe and eco-friendly mode of transportation for the people of Kochi.

✅ Is the Kerala Water Metro project the first of its kind in India?

  • Yes, the Kerala Water Metro project is the first of its kind in India.

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