Kochi is poised for a significant urban metamorphosis as the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) spearheads an innovative initiative to rejuvenate the city’s underutilised network of old canals into dynamic arteries for transportation, recreation, and ecological enhancement.
With the Kerala state government’s decisive approval of the ₹3,716.10 crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS), Kochi is set to redefine its urban fabric, seamlessly blending mobility solutions with the creation of vibrant public spaces. “I am genuinely delighted that the state government has sanctioned this transformative undertaking,” remarked Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, underscoring the project’s significance for the city’s future. “This comprehensive plan extends beyond merely alleviating monsoon flooding and addressing Kochi’s persistent challenges in waste management. It envisions a holistic rejuvenation of our historic canals, introducing efficient water transport systems, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and engaging water sports facilities, thereby enriching the lives of our citizens.”
The core of the IURWTS project involves the extensive deepening, widening, and aesthetic enhancement of six principal canals that crisscross Kochi: Perandoor, Chilavannur, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market Canal. Each of these vital waterways will be expanded to a minimum width of 16.5 metres, ensuring adequate capacity for both water transport and flood mitigation. Complementing this engineering feat will be the development of verdant green spaces and attractively designed walkways along both banks of the canals, transforming these currently often neglected areas into thriving urban corridors accessible and enjoyable for all. A key component of the project is the introduction of efficient and sustainable boat services along the Edappally and Chilavannur canals, offering a novel and eco-friendly mode of public transport. A new 11.5-kilometre waterway stretch, connecting Muttar to Chitrapuzha via the Edappally Canal, will feature regular boat services operating at 30-minute intervals. A fleet of 10 newly procured boats, each designed with a height clearance of 3.5 metres, will ensure unimpeded passage beneath existing bridges, facilitating seamless navigation.
Recognising the importance of an integrated urban mobility network, the plan also prioritises enhanced intermodal connectivity. The existing Vyttila–Thevara Water Metro route will be strategically linked to the Elamkulam Metro Station via the upgraded Chilavannur Canal. This seamless integration of water and rail transport will offer commuters a more convenient and efficient means of navigating the city, promoting the use of public transport and reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Drawing inspiration from successful waterfront developments globally, a new recreational waterfront, akin to Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive, is envisioned along the Chilavannur Canal. This vibrant public space will feature beautifully landscaped pathways for pedestrians and dedicated zones for water sports activities, providing residents with a fresh and engaging destination for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction, fostering a greater sense of community well-being.
“This area will soon evolve into a dynamic new recreational hub,” Behera emphasized, “actively promoting wellness and enhancing the overall lifestyle of our residents by providing accessible green spaces and leisure opportunities.” To further improve hydraulic flow within the canal network and effectively mitigate flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, the project includes the construction of a new 90-metre bridge on Bund Road and the complete reconstruction of an existing bridge on Subash Chandra Bose Road. These infrastructure upgrades are crucial for ensuring the long-term functionality and resilience of the revitalised canal system.
In a parallel and coordinated effort, the Kerala Water Authority is undertaking the establishment of four state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants at strategic locations across the city – Elamkulam, Vennala, Perandoor, and Muttar – with a substantial investment of ₹1,325 crore. These facilities are being developed in close collaboration with KMRL to ensure seamless integration with the canal regeneration project, addressing water quality concerns and promoting a healthier aquatic ecosystem within the city’s waterways. This holistic approach underscores a commitment to not only transforming the physical infrastructure but also safeguarding the ecological integrity of Kochi’s urban environment, paving the way for a more sustainable and liveable city.
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