Locale Kochi, India Number of lines 16 Daily ridership 100,000 | Transit type Ferry Number of stations 38 Operation will start 2017 | |
Kochi Water Metro is an integrated water transport project in Greater Kochi region proposed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited. It will be developed as a feeder service to the Kochi Metro rail. The water metro will be ready for operations by 2017, and completely operational by 2019.
Contents
Overview
Two variants of modernised air-conditioned and Wi-Fi enabled catamaran passenger boats are proposed for the project. The boats with passenger capacity of 50 and 100, will operate at an optimal speed of 8 knots, with the potential to increase up to 12 knots. The boats will be equipped with latest safety and communication devices. Small battery operated boats will ply on the narrow lanes. The headways vary between 10 minutes to 20 minutes across various routes. The jetties are proposed to have floating pontoons with automatic docking system technology. The floating pontoons will be covered with re-traceable sheds so as to provide comfort during rainy season.
As part of the infrastructure, Intelligent Navigation System and Operation Control Centre (OCC) are also proposed and will be integrated with the city’s intelligent transportation system. The Automatic Fare Collection system being implemented by the Kochi Metro will be extended to water transport system which facilitates travelling the metro train and the boat using the same ticket.
Apart from ferry service, the project also contemplate development of the new and existing access roads to jetties and islands. Two boatyards are proposed, at Thevara and Pizhala. The project also seeks to improve livelihoods in the areas along the backwaters and the islands in Kochi. Tourism is also proposed to be promoted as part of the project.
Phase I
During the phase I, it is proposed to operate 7 routes with a fleet requirement of 43 boats. In phase-I, 16 out of the 38 jetties will be developed and will be completed by 2017.
Phase II
The entire water transport project will be fully operationalised by 2019. In Phase II, it is proposed to operate 9 routes with a total of 16 routes and a fleet requirement of 78 boats.
Funding
The total cost of the Water Metro project is Rs 820 crore. The KfW Development Bank will be providing EUR 85 million as long term soft loan and the State Government of Kerala will be contributing Rs 102 crore.