Kochi Metro Initiates Feasibility Study for Water Metro Services in 18 Indian Cities

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has started conducting a feasibility study for the launch of Water Metro services in Kollam and 17 other cities in India. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways had tasked the metro agency with studying the possibility of introducing hybrid electric ferries, similar to those already in use in Greater Kochi. To assist with this initiative, a firm will be selected to conduct a traffic study and other necessary assessments to evaluate local conditions in each city, including the need for feeder services to Water Metro terminals and commercial space utilization at the terminals.

Following the completion of the study, detailed project reports will be prepared for all 18 cities, focusing on utilizing waterbodies to enhance sustainable urban water transport. In 2024, KMRL established an internal committee and consultancy wing to spearhead the launch of Water Metro ferries. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is also eagerly awaiting the results of the feasibility study. Potential locations for Water Metro services include various water bodies and cities like Guwahati, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and several others selected in 2024.

In the Kochi suburbs, the Water Metro system could potentially operate on multiple routes like Kumbalam–Alappuzha, Aluva–Nedumbassery, and North Paravur–Kodungallur corridors. Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML), responsible for operating the hybrid electric ferries, has developed expertise in electric boat design, inland water transport, green energy solutions, and project management over the years. KWML also offers consultancy services for surveys such as geological, topographic, hydrographic, and Intelligent Transport Management Systems. KMRL is seeking to enhance urban water transport sustainability and promote efficient water-based travel in Indian cities.

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