The success of the Kochi Water Metro has drawn the attention of Karnataka authorities, who are considering a similar system along the state’s coastal regions. A delegation from the Coastal Development Authority (CDA), led by chairman M. A. Gafoor and including secretary Pradeep D’Souza and other officials, visited Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) to study the operations and explore the feasibility of implementing a water metro in Karnataka.
During the visit, the team examined key operational and technical aspects of the Kochi system, including floating jetties, vessel operations, shipbuilding yards, and water-level management. They noted that the Kochi Water Metro was developed at a relatively low cost—estimated between ₹100 crore and ₹200 crore—making it a practical and sustainable model for public transport.
Gafoor highlighted that the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada together have nearly 186 backwater stretches that could support a water metro project. While a previous KMRL report suggested the system could not extend beyond the Gurupura-Maravoor bridge, the authority now plans to provide additional data and explore alternative locations to reassess feasibility.
He added that a report would soon be submitted to the state government, after which the authority will await guidance on funding support. Discussions with KMRL Managing Director Lokanath Behera also focused on effectively using backwaters in the coastal regions for water-based public transport.
