Kochi’s Water Metro is gaining momentum alongside the city’s metro rail network, recently crossing 50 lakh passengers. The milestone was marked when Australian-Malayali couple Naina and Amal bought tickets from the High Court terminal to travel to Fort Kochi. Naina was presented with a gift by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Loknath Behera.
Metro Growth Mirrors Water Metro Success
Kochi Metro itself is becoming a preferred mode of transport, recording a monthly ridership of over 34 lakh in August, surpassing its previous record of 32 lakh in December. Behera highlighted that the Water Metro’s ability to carry a large number of passengers on short routes in just 29 months reflects the high-quality travel experience it offers. The system was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 25, 2023.
Recognition and Expansion
The efficiency and service quality of Kochi Water Metro have led the Union government to explore replicating the model in 21 other locations across India. International interest has also emerged, with inquiries from other countries and the World Bank expressing interest in collaboration. The service has earned several awards for operational excellence.
Current Operations
The Water Metro currently runs 20 electric hybrid ferries, with terminals at five locations nearing completion. Mattancherry and Willingdon Island terminals will soon be operational, while new terminals at Kumbalam, Paliyamthuruth, and Kadamakkudy are expected to open in the coming months.
Service Details
There are 125 daily trips operating between 7:30 am and 9 pm across five routes spanning 24 km. Passenger growth has been steady: 10 lakh in the first 107 days, 20 lakh over the next 95 days, 30 lakh in the following 185 days, and 40 lakh in another 160 days.
