Kochi to set sail on a new wave of transport with launch of Water Metro project

New Delhi (India), April 23, 2023: The upcoming inauguration of the Kochi Water Metro service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 25, 2023, at Thiruvananthapuram is set to bolster the economic growth and tourism of the Kochi region. This “dream project” of the state, as referred to by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,136.83 crore in the port city.

The Kochi Water Metro will connect ten islands around the city through battery-operated electric hybrid boats, thus providing seamless connectivity to commuters. The project has identified the development of 15 routes along a network of routes spanning 78 km, making it modern, energy efficient, environment friendly, and enhancing the passenger experience.

As a first phase of the project, the service will begin from High Court-Vypin terminals to Vyttila-Kakkanad terminals soon. The passengers can travel in both Kochi Metro and Water Metro using the “Kochi 1” card and also book tickets digitally for added convenience.

The Kochi Water Metro project will significantly benefit over one lakh islanders, reduce traffic congestion, and provide ease of access along the Kochi lakeshore. This new mode of transport will improve livelihoods through commercial property development and tourism-based initiatives, contributing to the economic growth of the region.

In a similar development, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the development of 10,000 km of “Digital Highways” by 2025. The development of these highways with optic fiber cables will enhance the country’s communication network and pave the way for a better digital future.

Meanwhile, Siemens-RVNL consortium has bagged orders for advanced rail electrification projects for Surat Metro Phase 1 and Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2 in Gujarat, contributing to the development of the state’s transportation infrastructure.