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The new Ernakulam Water Metro terminal, being built near the Ernakulam boat jetty in Kochi, is expected to be completed within a year and could become the busiest terminal in the Kochi Water Metro network. The terminal will be the second-largest in the network after the High Court terminal and is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore.
Kochi Water Metro's New Terminal at Ernakulam
As it is located close to several important educational institutions, government offices, courts, hospitals and other public facilities, the terminal is expected to attract a large number of passengers. Once it becomes operational, passengers will get direct Water Metro services to Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, Kumbalam and Edakochi. The terminal will have a built-up area of 18,000 sq ft across two floors, with each floor covering 9,000 sq ft. The first floor will be fully used for commercial activities. The building has been designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style.
The structure will be supported by 72 piles with diameters of 1 metre and 600 mm, each reaching a depth of 45 metres. Kool Home Builders is the contractor for the project, while KITCO is serving as the design consultant.
Construction is already underway, with piling work starting on September 8. The work was inaugurated in the presence of KMRL projects director M P Ramnivas and water transport chief general manager Shaji P Janardhanan. Piling work is currently being carried out round the clock.
How will this New Terminal Benefit Passengers?
The new terminal will provide a convenient Water Metro connection for people travelling to St Teresa's College and schools, Maharaja's College, Law College, General Hospital, District Court Complex, Kanayannur Taluk Office and the Ernakulam Shiva Temple. It will also serve passengers visiting the Revenue Tower, which houses the City Police Commissioner's Office. Two floating jetties have been planned at the terminal, with one scheduled to be completed in the first phase. The facility will also have charging points for boats and a fuelling station.
As part of the Water Metro expansion network, tendering is underway for 15 new boats. Tender procedures for the Edakochi and Varappuzha terminals are also nearing completion. The Edakochi terminal is estimated to cost Rs 20 crore, while the Varappuzha terminal is expected to cost Rs 16 crore.