Kochi Water Metro designs public transit blueprints for 18 other cities

Kochi's water metro is quickly becoming a blueprint for urban transit across India and Southeast Asia. Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) has prepared feasibility reports to bring similar water-based public transport systems to 18 cities, marking a significant push to export the Kerala model.

The expansion plans extend far beyond the Indian mainland. The agency is set to conduct a feasibility study for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while pre-feasibility studies have already been completed for international locations, including Penang in Malaysia and the Mekong River in Vietnam.

The developments were highlighted during a progress review meeting, chaired by G. Priyanka, the District Collector who also holds charge as the managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).

Taking the Kochi model nationwide

The interest from other regions stems from the success of the Kochi system, which has carried 7.77 million (77.7 lakh) passengers since its launch in April 2023. By offering a clean, reliable alternative to congested roads, the network has proved that electric water transport can be successfully integrated into a city's broader public transport system.

Exporting this expertise involves studying the local waterways, passenger demand, and environmental conditions of each new location to determine whether Kochi's electric ferry model can be replicated there.

Building out the home network

At home, Kochi's own network is marching forward with new terminals and a larger fleet. Terminals at Kadamakudy and Paliamthuruth are now ready to be commissioned, with construction teams putting the finishing touches on their approach roads.

These upcoming terminals will bring more outlying island areas into the network, making commuting easier for residents who have historically relied on less reliable local boat services or long road detours. Meanwhile, piling work is progressing for a new ferry terminal near Subhash Bose Park, a key step in linking the high-traffic downtown area directly with the water transit network.

Growing the electric fleet

To keep up with the commuter rush, the transit network's fleet is also poised for growth. Of the initial 23 electric ferries planned for the network, 20 are currently in active service. Cochin Shipyard is scheduled to deliver the 21st vessel in December, while the final two ferries from this batch are expected to join the fleet in June 2028.

The transition to a larger fleet is crucial for keeping waiting times down. Built by Cochin Shipyard, the electric, air-conditioned ferries have been praised for their low-carbon footprint and silent operations. To expand the service further, the agency has already floated tenders to buy another 15 ferries, each designed to carry 100 passengers.