The Kochi Water Metro has recorded a staggering 19.72 lakh passengers, signalling a promising uptake in the region’s aquatic transportation sector.
Launched amidst anticipation and fanfare, India’s pioneering water metro service commenced operations on April 25th last year, introducing commuters to a novel mode of travel via nine boats traversing two distinct routes: from High Court to Vypeen and Vyttila to Kakkanad. The recent addition of the High Court-Fort Kochi route, inaugurated just this past Sunday, further expands the reach and accessibility of this aquatic transit system, amplifying its appeal to a broader demographic of commuters. One of the most compelling aspects of the Kochi Water Metro is its affordability, with ticket prices ranging from a nominal Rs 20 to Rs 40. Notably, regular passengers can enjoy even greater savings by availing the travel pass, allowing them to traverse the same distance for a mere Rs 10, a significant reduction compared to alternative modes of transportation. For instance, commuters traveling from South Chittoor to High Court by bus typically incur a fare of Rs 18, highlighting the substantial cost advantages afforded by the Kochi Water Metro travel pass.
The remarkable success of the Kochi Water Metro underscores not only the growing demand for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions but also the pivotal role of innovation in shaping urban mobility landscapes. As the project continues to gain momentum, stakeholders remain optimistic about its long-term viability and potential to revolutionise public transit in the region. “In the field of sustainable water transportation, Kochi Water Metro has been able to establish itself as a model. In its first year of operation, more tourists visited Kochi to explore the service, owing to its innovative and distinctive concept. However, Kochi Water Metro’s main goal is to convince islanders to use it for their everyday transportation,” said Loknath Behera, managing director of Kochi Metro. “Also, development of the terminals at Mattancherry, Paliyamthuruth, Willingdon Island, Kadamakkudy, and Kumbalam is progressing. Operations on these routes are set to begin in September or October. Cochin Shipyard has promised to deliver five more boats by September,” said Behera, adding that efforts are being made to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
