Kochi’s highly-anticipated water metro project successfully launched on Friday, ferrying over 6,500 passengers on its very first day of operation. The inaugural day saw a total of 78 trips being made across the city’s waterways.
The water metro system was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who hailed the project as a “milestone in Kerala’s public transport sector.” The water metro system aims to provide a safe, reliable and eco-friendly transport option for the city’s residents.
The first day of operation saw 23 ferries being operated across 16 stations. Each ferry is equipped with a GPS system, CCTV cameras and life jackets for passengers. The boats are also fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable ride for commuters.
The water metro project is being implemented by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) with funding from the German development bank, KfW. Moreover, the project aims to reduce traffic congestion on the city’s roads, and encourage more people to use public transport.
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According to KMRL officials, the water metro project is expected to benefit around 40,000 commuters every day. The project is also expected to generate job opportunities for local residents, including those from fishing communities.
The water metro project has been in the works for several years, with the first trial run conducted in December 2020. The project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was finally launched after receiving all necessary approvals from the authorities.
Further, the water metro project is part of the larger Kochi Metro Rail project, which was launched in 2017. The metro rail system has already become a popular mode of transport for the city’s residents, with an average daily ridership of over 60,000 passengers.
Lastly, the successful launch of the water metro project has been widely welcomed by Kochi residents, who are eager to make use of the new transport option. The project is expected to transform the way people travel across the city, and help make Kochi a more livable and sustainable city in the years to come.
