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Water Metro services from the Kochi to Mattancherry are expected to begin by mid-October, a relief for people who currently struggle with heavy traffic on the narrow roads and bridges leading to the area. The new services will start from the High Court terminal and stop at the upcoming terminals
in Mattancherry and Willingdon Island. Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) is preparing to open these long-awaited terminals soon.
Mattancherry Terminal to Increase Connectivity
The Mattancherry terminal will be one of the largest in the network, featuring floating pontoons that can accommodate three ferries; one ferry will stay overnight. There will also be parking spaces for vehicles, according to Sajan John, KWML Chief Operating Officer. Ferries to Mattancherry are expected to run every 20 to 30 minutes, which might increase when the Kochi-Muziris Biennale begins later this year. The new route will benefit tourists and traders who regularly visit the Mattancherry market.
Reason Behind Delays of Mattancherry Terminal
Cochin Shipyard has already delivered 20 out of the 23 electric-hybrid Water Metro ferries that were ordered, which currently run to 10 terminals in the Greater Kochi area. The Mattancherry terminal project had faced delays earlier because construction had to be re-tendered. In September 2023, members of the Mattancherry Water Metro Action Council met the Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum to fast-track the work. Sajan John also said that the ferry terminals at Kadamakudy and Paliyamthuruth are expected to open by the end of the year.
Rising Demands of Passengers
Meanwhile, the West Kochi Passengers' Association has written to the Chief Minister requesting more ferry services, operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD). Currently, only 11 daily services operate from the city to Mattancherry, although the terminal was reopened in February after dredging. The SWTD often claims the water depth is still insufficient, and it has also demanded more services to Fort Kochi due to rising passenger demand.
