Kochi Water Metro And Metro To Extend Operations During New Year Night
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd and Kochi Water Metro Ltd will extend operations on December 31 to accommodate increased commuter demand during New Year celebrations. Metro services on the Aluva–Tripunithura corridor will run until 1am, while water metro operations are scheduled to continue until 4am. Officials noted that final details regarding train frequency and water metro routes during the extended hours are under review, aiming to provide safe and efficient travel options for residents and visitors across the city.
The decision follows a pattern of consistently high ridership during the festive season. In December 2024, Kochi Metro recorded a monthly ridership exceeding 32 lakh passengers, generating more than ₹10 crore in revenue. On New Year’s Eve 2023 alone, approximately 1.3 lakh passengers travelled on the metro, while in December 2023, total ridership reached nearly 29.6 lakh, earning ₹9.25 crore. These figures underscore the growing demand for reliable urban transit during holiday periods.Water Metro services, particularly on the High Court–Fort Kochi route, have also seen significant growth, with an average daily ridership of around 10,000 passengers. Holiday traffic and major cultural events, including the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, contribute to increased passenger volumes, prompting authorities to expand operating hours to ensure safety and accessibility.
City transport officials emphasised that the extended services are part of ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and encourage public transport use during peak festive periods. By running metro and water metro services late into the night, Kochi aims to provide residents and visitors with convenient, safe, and sustainable travel options during one of the city’s busiest nights of the year.
