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Kochi Water Metro services are expected to reach Kadamakudy, one of the district's popular tourist destinations, by the Onam festival. The project is moving ahead, with most of the required infrastructure almost ready.
Kochi Water Metro Services
A floating pontoon for ferry docking has already been installed at the Kadamakudy terminal, while the remaining construction work on the terminal is close to completion. The electric charging system for the battery-operated ferries is also expected to be ready within the next 10 days.
Major Challenges Faced by KWML at Kadamakudy Terminal
According to Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML), the main challenge before starting services is the relocation of several Chinese fishing nets along the ferry route. These nets currently block the smooth movement of ferries. The Fisheries Department has to carry out this work, which is expected to take around two months. At the same time, dredging work will be done near the terminal to provide enough water depth for safe ferry operations.
KWML has been waiting for Cochin Shipyard to deliver three more electric ferries, which are needed before services can begin on the Kadamakudy route.
Plans for Extending Kochi Water Metro Services
After launching the Kadamakudy service, KWML plans to extend ferry operations from the High Court terminal to Edakochi via Mattancherry. Another future project is a new terminal near the State Water Transport Department's Ernakulam Boat Jetty, and the tender process for this terminal is in progress.
Meanwhile, KWML is also planning a water transport link between Aluva Metro Station and Cochin International Airport through the Periyar River. The proposal is awaiting approval from the Kerala government. Officials said the journey could take only about 15 minutes if ferries are allowed to operate at 20 knots (around 36 kmph). A 70-metre skywalk is also being proposed to connect the metro station with the ferry terminal.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited Managing Director Loknath Behera said a private engineering college has been asked to study the feasibility of the metro-airport water link. The study report is expected within a month. After that, a detailed technical study on the proposed airport extension will be conducted before the project moves forward.