The Kochi Water Metro project is a 78-kilometer network of 15 ferry routes connecting 10 islands with a fleet of 78 fast, electric hybrid ferries. It is the first-of-its-kind water metro service in India and will be a significant step forward in the integrated transportation system of Kerala and the rest of the country.
The Kochi water metro project will have 15 routes, with headways of 10 to 20 minutes during peak hours. Navigational buoys and night navigational assistance will be provided along all routes. The Kochi Water Metro Service is a significant improvement to the port city’s infrastructure, a positive change to Kochi’s water transport sector, and will be substantial in reducing traffic in the area.
Kochi Water Metro Route
The first route of the Kochi Water Metro in the first phase of the project connects the High Court, Bolgatty, and Vypeen terminals. The second route of the first phase connects the Vytilla and Kakkanad terminals.
Highlights:
The Kochi Water Metro Service will have 78 electrically propelled hybrid ferries, manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited. They will have 38 terminals connecting to the mainland and vice-versa.
With the ‘Kochi 1’ Metro Card, it is possible for passengers to avail of the service of both the Kochi Metro and the water metro.
Kochi Water Metro ticket prices range from Rs. 20 to Rs. 40, with travel passes available for regular commuters. A weekly pass costs Rs. 180, a monthly pass costs Rs. 600, and a quarterly pass costs Rs. 1500. Tickets can also be booked online.
The initial water metro timings are from 7 AM and continue up to 8 PM. During peak hours, boats will ferry every 15 minutes.
Passengers who use the water metro service will avoid traffic and reduce their travel time. The High Court-Vypeen route takes less than 20 minutes, and the Vytilla-Kakkanad route takes 25 minutes.
Each boat has a passenger capacity of 99, including dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and bicycles. The boats also carry an equivalent number of life jackets.
Highly appreciate your efforts and dedication - this topic is a very interesting and informative one.
Though your photos are similar looking, still gives an idea of the vessel - but, I have many doubts like how many people can travel at a time? Approximately, between land travel to Water-Metro, what is the time gain? Do the travel beneficial for tourists - if so how?
Can you please add these to your mail post? Do you have some shots inside the vessel? How are the seatings? Is the captain see the route & drive self or the old fashioned style?
@manu_m Thank you, my dear friend, for providing such a useful description with photos of the Water Metro. Thank you dear friend @TravellerG for tagging me.
I’m sure it will reduce vehicle traffic is properly harnessed. 99 passengers per trip is a huge number to be honest.
Did you take a ride in the water metro?
