Kochi Water Metro service connecting Mattancherry to the High Court terminal via Willingdon Island has encountered a delay, with the commissioning now pushed to January or February 2024. Initially expected to commence operations by the end of December, the project is now held up due to technical issues and incomplete works at both Mattancherry and Willingdon Island terminals.
A Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) official confirmed that key structural works and the installation of floating pontoons at the Mattancherry terminal are still pending, while similar pontoon installation work at Willingdon Island terminal has not yet been completed. These delays have further pushed back the expected timeline for the metro service, frustrating many who were hoping for a timely start.
In the meantime, KWML continues to operate the existing Water Metro routes, with 16 boats now active across five different routes in Kochi. Recently, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered another boat, expanding the fleet to meet growing demand. KWML CEO, Sajan P John, stated that the frequency of services on the newly opened High Court-Fort Kochi route has been reduced from 30 minutes to just 15 minutes to better accommodate passengers. Plans are also in place to introduce additional services during peak hours, particularly on weekends and holidays, to alleviate long queues at terminals. However, KWML has not yet decided whether to increase the frequency on the South Chittoor-HC route, which is currently seeing moderate traffic. As the delays continue, the Water Metro initiative, a key part of Kochi’s transport and sustainability plans, remains a work in progress, but once completed, is expected to significantly ease congestion and offer a more eco-friendly travel option for the city’s residents.
