Following the success of the Kochi Water Metro, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) is working on replicating the eco-friendly water transport system in 18 locations across India. KMRL, which operates and maintains the Kochi Water Metro, has been tasked by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to conduct a feasibility study for implementing similar systems in various regions.
To lead this initiative, KMRL’s Board of Directors recently approved the formation of a consultancy wing, and an in-house committee has been set up to guide the preliminary work. External experts will be consulted, if necessary. This expansion of the Water Metro model is seen as a significant recognition of Kerala’s innovation and KMRL’s expertise. The Kochi Water Metro, known for its modern facilities and eco-friendly design, has set a new standard for urban water transport, comparable to metro rail systems.
The feasibility study will explore the potential for water metro services in areas with rivers, lakes, backwaters, and coastal regions. Possible locations for the service include Guwahati’s Brahmaputra River, Jammu and Kashmir’s Dal Lake, and the island connections in Andaman and Lakshadweep, along with other cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kollam, Kolkata, Patna, Prayagraj, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Vasai.
Based on the study’s outcomes, KMRL will move forward with preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the most suitable locations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to harness water bodies for sustainable urban transport and aims to revolutionize mobility across the country, highlighting Kerala’s leadership in sustainable development and modern transport innovation.
