Inauguration Of India's First Water Metro In Kochi, Kerala

The Unique Urban Mass Transit System `Water Metro` Is A Game-Changer

In an effort to make it easier to live in cities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened Kerala's Kochi as the country's first "Water Metro" station. It is not just Asia's first integrated water transportation system of this size and scope, but also India's first water metro. The service, which is integrated with Kochi's metro train system, significantly improves the city's infrastructure and serves its estimated 2.1 million residents.

India’s first Water Metro

The Water Metro, a $747 crore joint venture between the Government of Kerala and Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, will use hybrid boats that run on both battery and diesel to connect 10 islands in Kochi's suburbs. These boats are air-conditioned, eco-friendly, and can each hold 100 passengers. It provides a unique view of the backwaters. The 78 boats travelling the 76 kilometre distance when it is fully operational will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 44,000 tonnes annually. The convenience of commuters has been taken into consideration when creating the price slots. For a trip, it will start at 20 and increase to 40. Regular commuters would be able to purchase travel cards for 180 rupees per week, 600 rupees per month, and 1500 rupees per quarter, the outlet added. Tickets may be purchased at the terminal's ticket windows or by scanning a smartphone QR code or via online. The Kochi metro and water metro are accessible to passengers with the "Kochi 1" card. Service would start in the project's first phase from the High Court-Vypin terminals to the Vyttila-Kakkanad terminals.

Kochi Water Metro Boat

With continuous communication between the islands and the city, this cutting-edge form of transit will give a similar level of comfort and travel experience to conventional metro systems. In urban locations like Kochi, this transport system is very useful. The water metro project will advance infrastructure development while enhancing the socioeconomic standing of islanders. The transportation system is sustainable because it relies on renewable energy sources. The boat's innovative design guarantees little wave activity and prevents disruption to aquatic vegetation and fauna. The Kochi water metro is anticipated to minimise annual carbon dioxide emissions by 44,000 tonnes. The water metro model, he continued, could be implemented in 40 Indian cities.

Importance of Water Metro

The unique urban mass transit system known as Water Metro provides passengers with the same comfort and enjoyment as a standard metro system. In cities like Kochi, it is really helpful. The fact that Kochi is bordered by 10 highly significant and densely populated islands makes this transport system a game-changer. Those who rely on public lands will receive a luxurious, reliable, and sustainable transportation system at a very low cost. The same level of comfort, convenience, safety, punctuality, dependability, and environmental friendliness as a standard metro system is provided to customers using the low-cost mass transit system known as Metro Lite. The Kochi Water Metro has been referred to as the state's "dream project" that will hasten Kochi's growth and development by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. With continuous communication between the islands and the city, this cutting-edge form of transit will give a similar level of comfort and travel experience to conventional metro systems. In urban locations like Kochi, this transport system is very useful.

The Way Forward for Water Metro

India's first water metro in Kochi, Kerala, is a historic undertaking that intends to give residents of Kochi access to a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of transit, lessen traffic, and boost tourism. The project is anticipated to change how commuters in and around Kochi travel. The completion of the required infrastructure, marketing and promotion, integration with other means of transportation, upkeep and repair, and sustainable operations are all essential to the Kochi Water Metro project's success. The first Water Metro in India opened in Kochi, and it is a trailblazing endeavour that other Indian towns have been inspired to imitate. The government's dedication to advancing sustainable development and transport in the nation is demonstrated by the project's effective implementation.