Kochi Water Metro Thoppumpady Edakochi Operations By 2027 Mattancherry Desilting Scheduled
Kochi is set to strengthen its water transport network with the Thoppumpady–Edakochi Water Metro, scheduled to become operational by 2027, while desilting works in Mattancherry are planned within the next two to three months. The dual initiatives aim to ensure smoother, reliable ferry services, address disruptions caused by low tides, and improve connectivity across the city’s backwaters, setting the stage for expanded operations and supporting both commuter mobility and local economic revival.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) Chairman and Managing Director, Loknath Behera, emphasised the strategic role of water transport in coastal urban planning during a recent session with the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in Mattancherry. He underlined that cities with extensive backwaters should integrate water mobility into broader transport frameworks. “Planning must be evidence-based and incorporate public feedback to ensure services genuinely meet the community’s needs,” Behera said.Service interruptions, often triggered by low tides, have affected Water Metro operations in the past. The upcoming desilting works in Mattancherry, expected to begin in the next two to three months, are intended to stabilise water levels, allowing for reliable scheduling and smoother operations across the network. “Desilting is critical to maintaining consistent ferry services and preparing the system for future expansion,” Behera added.
Key terminals at Thoppumpady and Edakochi are central to the Water Metro project, with both projected to be ready by 2027. Beyond transport efficiency, officials see these developments as a means to revive Mattancherry’s historic commercial significance. Improved connectivity is expected to support traditional trade, local businesses, and the broader economic ecosystem along the waterfront.ICCI President Raj Kumar Gupta highlighted the importance of affordability and reliability for residents. “What people need is a service that runs consistently, is economically accessible, and connects seamlessly with nearby jetties,” he said. ICCI Vice-President Chirag J Shah welcomed KMRL’s engagement with local stakeholders, noting that such collaboration ensures that infrastructure projects align with community priorities while promoting sustainable development.
Urban planners observing Kochi’s water transport expansion note that it exemplifies how coastal cities can leverage waterways to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and foster inclusive mobility. By pairing modern infrastructure with environmental stewardship, Kochi aims to establish a Water Metro network that not only meets daily commuter needs but also contributes to a greener, more equitable urban future.
