Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is on the verge of delivering the 19th electric-hybrid vessel to Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML), reinforcing the city’s push towards sustainable and inclusive mobility.
The handover, part of a larger order for 23 cutting-edge vessels, marks another milestone in one of India’s most ambitious water-based public transport initiatives. The Kochi Water Metro, a pioneering project aimed at integrating water routes with the city’s broader public transit system, is increasingly being recognised as a model for eco-friendly urban mobility. With 18 boats already operational across six active routes, the addition of the next hybrid vessel is expected to further enhance service frequency and ease commuter congestion, especially during peak hours. Officials overseeing the project said the vessel is undergoing final quality and safety checks and is likely to be deployed in the coming weeks.
The state-of-the-art vessels are powered by a hybrid system combining electric propulsion with backup diesel engines, enabling both operational efficiency and significant reductions in emissions. These boats offer zero-emission capabilities during shorter intra-city transits, aligning with India’s broader climate goals under its National Electric Mobility Mission and net-zero commitments. Officials involved in the project explained that the deployment of each new vessel not only expands capacity but also strengthens confidence in water-based transit as a viable, mainstream public transport mode. In recent months, KWML has witnessed a steady increase in passenger footfall, particularly along high-density corridors connecting areas such as Vyttila, Kakkanad, and High Court Jetty. With the introduction of the new vessel, waiting times at busier terminals are expected to come down, offering greater ease and comfort to daily commuters.
Plans are also underway to expand the network to underserved and strategically significant destinations like Mattancherry and Willingdon Island. In preparation, tenders have been issued for a new terminal at the Ernakulam Jetty. Once operational, the terminal will serve as a launchpad for new routes, including direct connections to Mattancherry, which currently faces limited public transport access. Experts familiar with the expansion plans say this move will not only improve last-mile connectivity but also stimulate socio-economic development in traditionally overlooked urban pockets. From a technical standpoint, Cochin Shipyard’s role in designing and manufacturing the vessels has been pivotal. The public sector shipbuilder has leveraged advanced marine engineering practices, including the integration of lithium-titanate battery technology for improved charging cycles and safety. The vessels are also designed to be fully accessible, featuring barrier-free entry, safety systems for persons with disabilities, and energy-efficient HVAC units. Each boat can carry up to 100 passengers, making them ideal for both daily urban commutes and tourism-based routes.
Beyond environmental sustainability, inclusivity remains a core pillar of the Water Metro project. The initiative actively promotes gender-neutral employment, with women trained and employed in various operational and technical roles across the fleet. Additionally, authorities have ensured that the infrastructure at terminals and boats meets universal accessibility standards—making the system welcoming to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Urban mobility experts have lauded the Kochi Water Metro as a template for coastal cities grappling with congested roadways and rising vehicular pollution. They argue that efficient water-based systems can serve as the “blue corridors” of sustainable development, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and opening up underutilised waterways for civic benefit. Officials involved with planning suggest that Kochi’s experience could soon be replicated in cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam, where similar water bodies remain untapped for public mobility.
However, challenges persist. Budgetary constraints, land acquisition for terminals, and technical maintenance of hybrid vessels in saline environments require constant oversight and policy support. Nevertheless, the steady progress in construction and deployment signals strong political and bureaucratic will to transform the city’s mobility landscape. With the anticipated delivery of the remaining vessels by the end of the fiscal year, the Kochi Water Metro is poised to become a comprehensive, integrated component of the city’s public transport ecosystem. For a city known for its vibrant backwaters and cultural heritage, the convergence of modern engineering and traditional waterways could redefine the future of urban living—not just in Kerala, but across India.
As India’s cities continue to swell and decarbonisation becomes a priority, Kochi’s experiment with electric boats could provide a roadmap for sustainable urban growth anchored in local geography and community-focused planning.
Kochi Water Metro Gets New Electric Hybrid Vessel
