The Kochi Water Metro, a pioneering initiative aimed at providing sustainable and efficient connectivity to the islands surrounding the city, is undertaking a strategic relocation of its central nervous system.
The Operation Control Centre (OCC), the pivotal hub responsible for the overall control and coordination of the entire ferry transport system, is slated to be shifted from its current location at the Vyttila Mobility Hub to the High Court terminal. This move is not solely aimed at streamlining operational efficiency by placing the OCC at the heart of its primary service area but also carries a significant financial dimension, with plans to generate substantial non-fare box revenue by leasing out a considerable 29,000 square feet of commercial space at the strategically important Vyttila hub. Currently, the Kochi Water Metro’s operational footprint is predominantly centred around the High Court terminal. Routes connecting High Court to Fort Kochi, Vypeen, South Chittoor, and onwards to Cheranalloor all originate or are concentrated within the High Court region. In contrast, only the Vyttila-Kakkanad services currently operate in close proximity to the existing OCC, which is housed within the Kerala Water Metro Limited (KWML) building at the Vyttila Hub. This geographical disparity has likely informed the decision to centralise control at the High Court terminal, where the majority of the operational routes are concentrated, potentially leading to more efficient monitoring and coordination of the entire network.
The relocation of the OCC will free up a significant amount of prime commercial space at the Vyttila Mobility Hub. The KWML building, a two-storey structure, offers a substantial 15,000 square feet of space on each floor, totalling 29,000 square feet that will become available for lease once the OCC transitions to its new location. This strategic move to unlock the commercial potential of the Vyttila hub comes at a time when demand for commercial space within the vicinity of the Vyttila Metro Station has witnessed an upswing. Recent interest, such as the Kerala State Beverages Corporation Ltd (Bevco) approaching the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to lease space for a premium liquor outlet, underscores the commercial viability and attractiveness of this transportation convergence point. Sources indicate a growing appetite for commercial establishments to set up shop within the Kochi Metro station building at the Vyttila Hub, and authorities anticipate a similar trend for the soon-to-be-vacated Water Metro facility. The inherent advantage of the Vyttila Hub lies in its exceptional connectivity, serving as a crucial intersection point for various modes of transportation within Kochi. This convergence of metro rail, buses, and now the potential for enhanced Water Metro integration further amplifies its commercial allure, making it a prime location for businesses seeking high footfall and accessibility.
Beyond the Vyttila Hub, the Kochi Water Metro has ambitious plans to generate additional non-fare box revenue by strategically leasing out commercial spaces at its spacious terminals located at High Court Junction and Vypeen. Future terminals planned for Mattancherry and Thevara also hold significant commercial potential, aligning with a global trend in urban transport systems to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional fare collection, contributing to the financial sustainability of the network. The first phase of the Kochi Water Metro project envisions a comprehensive network comprising 36 terminals and 15 identified routes, seamlessly connecting 10 islands across a total network span of 78 kilometres. This ambitious project is steadily inching closer to achieving operational breakeven, a crucial milestone that authorities anticipate reaching upon the commencement of the new service on the High Court – Mattancherry route in the near future. The average daily ridership has already crossed the 6,000 mark as of last October, and to achieve breakeven, the daily collection needs to reach ₹2.5 lakh, which translates to an average daily ridership exceeding 7,000 passengers.
The OCC itself is a sophisticated central control facility, equipped with a large LED video display and advanced computing and communications hardware and software essential for effectively controlling and coordinating the entire Water Metro service. By relocating this vital nerve centre to the High Court terminal, authorities aim to optimise operational efficiency, enhance route management, and potentially improve the overall passenger experience while simultaneously unlocking the commercial value of the strategically located Vyttila Hub, paving the way towards greater financial sustainability for this eco-friendly urban mobility solution.
Kochi Water Metro Eyes Operational Breakeven Soon
