Kochi Water Metro

Last updated

KWM
Kochi Water Metro.jpg
KWM Boat.jpg
Overview
Native nameകൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ
Owner Government of Kerala (74%)
KMRL (26%)
Locale Kochi, Kerala, India
Transit typeFerry
Number of lines16 (Planned)
4(Operational)
Line number
Number of stations38 (Total)
9 (Completed)
9 (Operational)
Daily ridership34,000 (After phase 1 completion)
150,000 (When fully operational)
Headquarters J. L. N. Stadium metro station 4th Floor, Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala
Website KWM
Operation
Began operation26 April 2023;11 months ago (2023-04-26) [1]
Operator(s) KMRL
Number of vehicles23
Headway 10 - 20 minutes
Technical
System length76 km (47 mi)
Average speed8 knots (15 km/h)
Top speed10 knots (19 km/h)

Kochi Water Metro (KWM) is an integrated ferry transport system serving the Greater Kochi region in Kerala, India. It is the first water metro system in India and the first integrated water transport system of this size in Asia. When becomes fully operational, the Kochi Water Metro will connect Kochi’s 10 island communities with the mainland through a fleet of 78 battery-operated electric hybrid boats plying along 38 terminals and 16 routes spanning 76 kilometers. [2] It is integrated with the Kochi Metro and serves as a feeder service to the suburbs along the rivers where transport accessibility is limited. [3]

Contents

The construction work started in 2016, and the first route between Vyttila and InfoPark was inaugurated in February 2021 by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. [4] It was officially inaugurated and opened to passengers by the Prime Minister on 25 April 2023. [5] Kochi Water Metro is expected to become fully operational by 2035, with a daily commuter-count of 1.5 lakh passengers. [6] It is also described as the largest electric-boat metro transportation infrastructure being implemented in the world. [7]

Overview

Passengers inside the Kochi Water Metro boat Kochi Water Metro-Inside.jpg
Passengers inside the Kochi Water Metro boat

Two variants of modernised air-conditioned and Wi-Fi enabled catamaran passenger boats were proposed for the project. The electric propulsion boats has a passenger capacity of 50 and 100 operate at an optimal speed of about 15 kilometers per hour, with the potential to increase up to 22 kilometers per hour. The boats are equipped with latest safety and communication devices. Small battery operated boats ply on the narrow lanes. [8] The headways vary between 10 minutes to 20 minutes across various routes. The jetties are proposed to have floating pontoons with automatic docking system technology. The floating pontoons is covered with retractable sheds to provide comfort during rainy season. [9]

As part of the infrastructure, Intelligent Navigation System and Operation Control Centre (OCC) are also proposed and will be integrated with the city’s intelligent transportation system. The Automatic Fare Collection system being implemented by the Kochi Metro will be extended to water transport system which facilitates travelling the metro train and the boat using the same ticket.

Apart from ferry service, the project also contemplates development of the new and existing access roads to jetties and islands. Two boatyards are proposed, at Thevara and Pizhala. The project also seeks to improve livelihoods in the areas along the backwaters and the islands in Kochi. Tourism is also proposed to be promoted as part of the project. [10] Cochin Shipyard delivered the first of 23 electric ferries in January 2022. [11]

The phase 1 consists of 3 lines out of which the Vytilla--InfoPark was inaugurated on 15 February 2021. [12] The Vypin--High Court line began service on 26 April 2023 and the Vyttila--Kakkanad line began service on 27 April 2023. Phase 1 is expected to be fully operational in 2024 and on becoming so, it is expected to serve 34,000 passengers a day. The entire water metro system is expected to become fully operational by 2035 with a daily ridership of 1.5 lakh passengers. The annual carbon emissions is also expected to reduce by 44,000 tonnes once the project is fully operational.

Routes and Terminals

High Court water metro station High Court water metro station.jpg
High Court water metro station
Kochi Water Metro Boat at Highcourt Boat Jetty Kochi Water Metro Boat at High Court Boat Jetty 2023-09-30-16-09-15-149.jpg
Kochi Water Metro Boat at Highcourt Boat Jetty
Route Map of Kochi Water Metro Kochi Water Metro Route.png
Route Map of Kochi Water Metro

Kochi is mostly surrounded by backwaters and bordered by the Arabian Sea. It is interconnected by hundreds of waterways, which offers a way to make the public transport system much more accessible and environment friendly. Water Metro is expected to solve the travel issues of the islanders of Willington, Kumbalam Vypeen, Edakochi, Nettoor, Vyttila, Eroor, Kakkanad, and Mulavukad. [13] In the first phase, the water metro started sailing on two routes, High Court to Vypin and Vyttila to Kakkanad with eight electric-hybrid boats. [14]

On 14 March 2024, two new routes and four stations were inaugurated. One route is from High Court station to South Chittoor, through Bolgatty and Mulavukad North, while the other route is from South Chittoor to Cheranelloor through Eloor. [15]

Funding

The total cost of the Water Metro project is ₹1,137 crore (US$140 million). The KfW Development Bank will be providing EUR 85 million as long term soft loan and the Government of Kerala and KMRL will be contributing ₹102 crore (US$13 million). [16]

Operations

Fare collection

The minimum ticket price of the metro system is 20 rupees and the maximum ticket charge is 40 rupees. Weekly pass is available at 180 rupees whereas monthly pass cost 600 rupees and quarterly pass cost 1500 rupees. Single journey tickets and various travel passes are available from the ticket counters in the terminals. Water Metro can be accessed using the Kochi Metro One card. It is also possible to travel using the mobile QR code booked through the Kochi One app. [17]

Frequency

In the first phase, the service will be provided from 7 am to 8 pm. The service frequency is 15 minutes during peak hours. [18]

Management

Kochi Water Metro Limited has been formed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with 74% of the shareholding being owned by the Kerala government and 26% by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). It is operated and maintained by the KMRL. [19]

Infrastructure

Views during Kochi Water Metro ride Views during Kochi Water Metro ride.jpg
Views during Kochi Water Metro ride

Kochi Water Metro has two types of boats that can carry 100 passengers and 50 passengers at a time. These boats have won the Gussis Electric Boat Award, an international award for electric boats. The boats and terminals are designed as fully disabled-friendly. Kochi Water Metro has the innovation of a boat that can be operated in battery and hybrid mode. [20] These boats are built in a hybrid system and are completely eco-friendly. Boats can be powered by a diesel generator in case of emergency. Kochi Water Metro is also first of a kind in the world to have such an extensive network of battery-powered boats. The boats uses lithium titanate oxide battery that can be charged very quickly and meets high safety standards. It can be charged in 10–15 minutes and there is a facility to charge the batteries even when the passengers are boarding and disembarking. The speed of the boat is 8 knots in battery mode and 10 knots in hybrid mode. [21]

Interiors of Kochi Water Metro boat Interiors of Kochi Water Metro.jpg
Interiors of Kochi Water Metro boat

There are arrangements to automatically monitor the movement of the boat from the operating control center at Vyttila hub. A thermal camera is also equipped to assist the boat operator during night travel. The boats are also equipped with radars. The passenger counting system is used to enter Kochi Water Metro boats to prevent the number of passengers from getting increased more than the designated level. Floating pontoons which can stay at the same level with the boats during high tide and low tide are the specialty of Kochi Water Metro. The rescue boats of the metro system are able to start rescue operations within 10 minutes in case of any kind of accident. [22]

Stations

Vyttila water metro station entry Vyttila water metro station entry.jpg
Vyttila water metro station entry

Presently in service

Recognition

International attention

In November 2022, the International Maritime Organisation officials visited Kochi as a part of their Green Voyage 2050 project and praised Kochi Water Metro project for its unique initiatives. "The purpose of our visit is to learn about the impressive achievement of Kerala in terms of the water metro, a pioneering initiative in sustainable urban water transport and show others across the world that it is possible to have commercial viability, environmental sustainability and societal impact through such services. We hope that the water metro service will be extended to other parts of the state as well”; said IMO department of partnership and projects chief Jose Mathieckal. [23]

Awards

Kochi Water Metro secured won awards for excellence in ferry services with the help of advanced technology connecting inland waterways and building excellent terminals providing the best facilities at the Global Maritime India Summit held in Mumbai from 17 to 19 October 2023. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kochi</span> Metropolis in Kerala, India

Kochi, also known by its former name Cochin, is a major port city along the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala. The city is also commonly referred to as Ernakulam. As of 2011, the Kochi Municipal Corporation had a population of 677,381 over an area of 94.88 km2, and the larger Kochi urban agglomeration had over 2.1 million inhabitants within an area of 440 km2, making it the largest and the most populous metropolitan area in Kerala. Kochi city is also part of the Greater Cochin development region and is classified as a Tier-II city by the Government of India. The civic body that governs the city is the Kochi Municipal Corporation, which was constituted in the year 1967, and the statutory bodies that oversee its development are the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vembanad</span> Lake in Kerala, India

Vembanad is the longest lake in India, as well as the largest in the state of Kerala. The lake has an area of 230 square kilometers and a maximum length of 96.5 km. Spanning several districts in the state of Kerala, it is known as Vembanadu Lake in Kottayam, Vaikom, Changanassery, Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Punnappra, Kuttanadu and Kochi Lake in Kochi. Several groups of small islands including Vypin, Mulavukad, Maradu, Udayamperoor, Vallarpadam, and Willingdon Island are located in the Kochi Lake portion. Kochi Port is built around the Willingdon Island and the Vallarpadam island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ernakulam</span> Downtown in India

Ernakulam is the central business district of the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. It is the namesake of Ernakulam district. The eastern part of Kochi city is mainly known as Ernakulam, while the western part of it after the Venduruthy Bridge is called as Western Kochi. Many major establishments, including the Kerala High Court, the office of the Kochi Municipal Corporation and the Cochin Shipyard are situated in Ernakulam. It is also the most urbanized area in the city of Kochi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">InfoPark, Kochi</span> IT Park situated in Kochi, India

Infopark, Kochi is an information technology park situated in the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. Established in 2004 by the Government of Kerala, the park is spread over 260 acres (105.2 ha) of campus across two phases, housing 546 companies which employs about 63,600 professionals as of 2022.

Kochi is a major port city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is widely known as the commercial or economic capital of the state of Kerala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kochi Metro</span> Rapid transit system in Kochi, India

The Kochi Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Kochi and the wider Kochi Metropolitan Region in Kerala, India. It was opened to the public within four years of starting construction, making it one of the fastest completed metro projects in India. The Kochi metro project is the first metro system in the country which connects rail, road and water transport facilities. It is also the first metro rail system in India to be operated using the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, which requires minimum human intervention. The Kochi Water Metro is integrated with the Kochi Metro, which serves as a feeder service to the suburbs along the rivers where transport accessibility is limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Waterway 3</span> National waterway of India

The West Coast Canal or National Waterway No 3 is a 205 km (127 mi) long inland navigational route located in Kerala, India, which runs from Kollam to Kottapuram. It was declared a National Waterway in 1993. In addition to the main stretch, Champakara and Udyogmandal canals are navigable and connect the industrial centers of Kochi to Kochi port Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Shipping is coordinating the task for developing, monitoring and administering national waterways. It is the first National Waterway in the country with 24-hour navigation facilities along the entire stretch. It has been extended to Kozhikode by the National Waterways Act, 2016. The National Waterway 3 mainly passes through the previous Thiruvananthapuram–Shoranur canal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aluva railway station</span> Railway station in Aluva, Kerala, India

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kochi Bypass</span> Segment of highway in Kerala, India

The Kochi Bypass is a segment of NH66(National Highway 66) that bypasses the CBD of the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. The highway stretches 17 km from Edapally in the Ernakulam district to Aroor in Alappuzha district, via. Palarivattom, Vyttila, Kundannoor, Madavana, Kumbalam. The Government of Kerala began the preliminary works in 1973. After a slow progress, it was partially opened for traffic in the beginning years of the 1980s. The section between Edapally and Vyttila had four lanes from the beginning. The rest of the carriageway was also upgraded to different sections of 4 lane, 5 lane and 6 lanes by 2010

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vyttila Mobility Hub</span> Indian transit terminal in Kochi, Kerala

Vyttila Mobility Hub is an integrated transit terminal in the city of Kochi. It is designed as a converging point of various forms of public transportation, such as local and long-distance buses, metro rail and inland water transport. It is planned over an area of 37 acres (150,000 m2) in Vyttila, making it one of the largest bus termini in India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Centre for Public Policy Research</span> Think tank in Kochi, India

Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is an independent non-profit research organization located in Kochi, India. It was established in the year 2004. It conducts professional research, integrating developments in the areas of education, livelihood, governance, urban reforms and environment. The four focus study centers are: CPPR Centre for Urban Studies, CPPR Centre for Comparative Studies, CPPR Centre for Strategic Studies and CPPR Academy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kochi Metro (Malayalam) Short Film Fest</span>

Kochi Metro (Malayalam) Short Film Fest is an annual film festival held in Kochi, Kerala, devoted to short films made in Malayalam language. The short film pool consists of animation films, student films, experimental films as well as Documentary films. Established in the year 2014 by festival director Raveendran, a popular actor in Malayalam and Tamil language films at Gold Souk Grande Kochi. Malayalam actor Mohanlal is the festival chairman.

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Vadakkekotta metro station is a metro station of Kochi Metro in India. It was opened on 1 September 2022 as a part of the extension of the metro system from Petta to SN Junction. Spread over an area of 4.3 lakh square feet, it is Kochi Metro’s biggest station. The station features Kerala's role in freedom struggle as its theme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High Court water metro station</span> Station of Kochi Water Metro

High Court is a station of Kochi Water Metro. The station is located near to the Kerala High Court thus getting its name. It is also located at a distance of 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) from the M. G. Road metro station. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023 and opened for public on 26 April as a part of the first phase of the water metro system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vyttila water metro station</span> Ferry terminal in Kochi, India

Vyttila is a station of Kochi Water Metro. The station is located adjacent to Vyttila metro station and Vyttila mobility hub. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023 and opened for public on 27 April as a part of the first phase of the water metro system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vypin water metro station</span> Ferry terminal in Kochi, India

Vypin(വൈപ്പിൻ) is a station of Kochi Water Metro. It is located on the Vypin Island near to Fort Kochi - Vypin RoRo Jetty. The station was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023 and opened for public on 26 April as a part of the first phase of the water metro system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kakkanad water metro station</span> Station of Kochi Water Metro

Kakkanad is a station of Kochi Water Metro. The station is located on Chittethukara at a distance of 2 km from Kakkanad. This station is connected with Vyttila water metro station by the water metro. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on 25 April 2023 and opened for public on 27 April as a part of the first phase of the water metro system.

South Chittoor is a station of Kochi Water Metro. The station was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan on 14 March 2024 and opened for public on 17 April as a part of the first phase of the metro system.

References

  1. ↑ Amit Chaturvedi (25 April 2023). "India's First Water Metro To Be Inaugurated In Kochi Today: 5 Points". NDTV. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  2. ↑ "Kochi Water Metro is Asia's first integrated water transport system: Chief Minister". www.manoramaonline.com. 25 April 2023. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  3. ↑ "Water metro tops priority list". The Hindu. 22 June 2016. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  4. ↑ "Water metro clears last environmental hurdle". The News Minute. 30 October 2019. Archived from the original on 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  5. ↑ Philip, Shaju (25 April 2023). "PM Modi inaugurates Kochi Water Metro: What is this public boat service?". Indian Express . Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "Kochi Water Metro by July? Hopefully..." The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  7. ↑ "World's Largest Integrated Water Transport System Under A Single Command" . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  8. ↑ "Kochi Water Metro project moves ahead in full steam". Manorama Online. 18 June 2016. Archived from the original on 25 July 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  9. ↑ Staff Reporter (19 December 2022). "KMRL floats tender for Design and construction of Kochi Water Metro Project". Metro Rail News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  10. ↑ "Kochi to become first Indian city to get 'Water Metro'". The Times of India. 18 June 2016. Archived from the original on 9 July 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  11. ↑ "Cochin Shipyard handovers India's first Water Metro ferry to Kochi Metro". Urban Transport News. Archived from the original on 28 January 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  12. ↑ "Kochi will have to wait longer for Water Metro". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  13. ↑ "3 Water Metro Terminals Ready For Functioning | Kochi News - Times of India". The Times of India. TNN. 6 March 2022. Archived from the original on 27 December 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  14. ↑ "PM Modi on 2-day Kerala visit, will launch India's first water metro, meet church leaders". India Today. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  15. ↑ "രണ്ട് പുതിയ റൂട്ടിലേക്ക് കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോയെത്തുന്നു; നാല് ടെർമിനലുകളുടെ ഉദ്ഘാടനം വ്യാഴാഴ്ച്ച". Samayam Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  16. ↑ "KMRL, German bank to sign pact for Water Metro". New Indian Express. 22 July 2016. Archived from the original on 23 July 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  17. ↑ "കാത്തിരിപ്പിന് മണിക്കൂറുകൾ മാത്രം ,രാജ്യത്തെ ആദ്യ വാട്ടർമെട്രോ സർവീസ്, മോദി നാളെ ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്യും". www.asianetnews.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  18. ↑ "കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ: റൂട്ട്, സമയം, നിരക്ക് | അറിയേണ്ടതെല്ലാം". Twentyfournews.com. 23 April 2023. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  19. ↑ "Kerala govt, KMRL sign pact, Kochi Water Metro to set sail soon". www.onmanorama.com. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  20. ↑ "നീരണിയുമോ വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ? സജ്ജമായി 9 ബോട്ടുകൾ, പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്യുമെന്ന പ്രതീക്ഷയിൽ കേരളം". Samayam Malayalam (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  21. ↑ Daily, Keralakaumudi. "കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ; കുതിക്കട്ടെ ഗതാഗതവും വിനോദസഞ്ചാരവും". Keralakaumudi Daily. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  22. ↑ "India First Water Metro:തലയുയർത്തി കൊച്ചി; രാജ്യത്തെ ആദ്യ വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ; ഓളപ്പരപ്പിലെ യാത്രയ്ക്ക് ആദ്യം ഒമ്പത് ബോട്ടുകൾ". Samayam Malayalam (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  23. ↑ Bureau, BL Kochi (15 November 2022). "IMO praises Kochi Water Metro project". www.thehindubusinessline.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  24. ↑ Service, Express News (20 October 2023). "Kochi Water Metro wins awards at Maritime India Summit". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
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