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Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has started preliminary work to extend the Water Metro service directly to Infopark, one of Kochi's major IT hubs. The proposed extension is expected to make travel easier for thousands of IT professionals and provide an alternative to the city's busy roads.
Kochi Water Metro Service Extension
At present, Water Metro services from Vyttila end at the Kakkanad terminal in Chittethukara. Under the proposed plan, the service will be extended by around 2.5 km through the Kadambrayar River to reach Infopark. The direct water route is expected to offer a faster and traffic-free travel option for employees working at the IT hub.
Kochi Metro to Conduct Detailed Surveys
KMRL has decided to conduct detailed surveys before starting the project. These include topographic surveys and underwater studies near the proposed terminal and boatyard. The surveys will help officials understand the land and water conditions and plan safe movement of Water Metro boats. The work will also identify suitable access roads to the new facilities. According to KMRL, the survey is expected to be completed within a month after the work order is issued.
The proposed Infopark terminal will be developed on around 0.5 acres. A boatyard is also planned on nearly two acres of land owned by KMRL at Kinfra. About 500 metres of connecting roads are expected to be developed as part of the project.
Kochi Water Metro Extension Faced Challenges
However, the extension faces some important challenges. The Kozhichira bund currently prevents boats from moving through the Kadambrayar and will have to be permanently removed. Another major requirement is the reconstruction of the Brahmapuram bridge. Its present vertical clearance of 2.25 metres needs to be increased to 5.5 metres so that Water Metro boats can safely pass underneath.
KMRL officials said government support will be important to restart the pending bridge modification and river clearance works. Once these issues are resolved, the extension could significantly improve public transport connectivity between Kochi and Infopark.