Great Job, Kochi: Anand Mahindra’s Shout Out for Water Metro

Kochi, known as the commercial capital of Kerala and also the Queen of Arabian sea, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the launch of its Water Metro project, garnering praise from industrialist Anand Mahindra. Lauding the initiative, Mahindra, who often seen appreciating innovative ideas and projects on his X handle, called it a clever and imaginative solution for urban transportation, stating, “Kochi is one of the most unique cities in our country. A city defined by its waterways, so no wonder it hosts a Water Metro. Great job, Kochi!”

The Kochi Water Metro, a first-of-its-kind project in India, blends modernity with eco-consciousness. Designed to connect 10 islands via 15 routes, the network spans 78 kilometres and includes 38 jetties serviced by 78 electric-hybrid ferries. This innovative system is expected to benefit over 33,000 islanders daily, while reducing urban traffic congestion and pollution.

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“Kochi is one the most unique cities in our country. A city defined by its waterways, so no wonder it hosts a Water Metro. Not the first water-based transport but the first to cleverly name it a ‘Metro’ and capture the imagination of both its citizens and tourists. And a good looking, comfortable and emission-free boat to top it all. We need more of our cities to make such breakthroughs in citizen friendly infrastructure.  Great job, Kochi!,” Anand Mahindra said.

Kochi is one the most unique cities in our country

A city defined by its waterways, so no wonder it hosts a Water Metro. Not the first water-based transport but the first to cleverly name it a ‘Metro’ and capture the imagination of both its citizens and tourists.

And a good… pic.twitter.com/UMHkE81qXH

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 12, 2024

Not just a transport solution, the project, according to a statement, aims to foster holistic development, including tourism, property development, and enhanced livelihoods. The ferries are modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, featuring low wake and draft designs. The initiative is funded by a mix of Indian and German financial cooperation, with an investment of ₹819 crores, including an €85 million loan.

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Kochi’s strategic location on Kerala’s lower west coast, within the tranquil backwaters of Vembanad Lake, enhances the project’s viability. The city is relatively safe from storm surges and cyclones compared to India’s eastern coast, making water-based transport a practical solution.

The Water Metro seamlessly integrates with Kochi’s public transport, ensuring connectivity across land and waterways. The project also addresses infrastructure gaps by improving access roads to jetties, ensuring safety with well-lit streets, and promoting small feeder modes for better last-mile connectivity. Efforts to manage water weeds and floating waste further underline its commitment to sustainability.

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During peak hours, the ferries will operate with a headway of 10–20 minutes, supported by navigational aids and night assistance for uninterrupted service. Dredging requirements for operational channels and terminals have been minimised, with an estimated 0.65 million cubic metres of dredging planned.