Kochi (Kerala). The country’s first and Kerala’s ambitious Kochi Water Metro service became commercially operational on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had started it a day ago. Set up in the port city of Kochi at a cost of Rs 1,136.83 crore, the Left Front-led government’s flagship project will connect 10 islands using 78 electric boats and 38 terminals.
At present eight waterways have been introduced for the residents of the city through 15 electric air-conditioned catamaran boats. There are 15 proposed water routes. On the inauguration day, a group of specially-abled children enjoyed the journey of the water metro. The ferries and terminal have been made disabled friendly.
The Kerala Water Metro Limited (KWML) said in a statement, “The operation of the boats will start from 7 am at High Court Water Metro Terminal and Vypin Water Metro Terminal.” The ticket rate for this route is Rs.20. There will be a ferry service every 15 minutes on the High Court-Vypin route during peak hours. The ferry services will continue till 8 pm.
The country’s first water metro service will provide safe, affordable and cost-effective travel for people in and around Kochi and tourists from around the world, the statement said. The eco-friendly ships or boats will travel at a speed of eight to ten knots on the proposed 76 kilometer long route. 100 people can travel in each boat. The yacht has also won the ‘Gussie’s International Electric Boat Awards in 2022’.
Metro officials said that the vessels are fitted with the most advanced and safest battery technology which is capable of supercharging in 15 to 20 minutes. These vessels are also equipped with life-saving equipment including lifejackets and technology to prevent overcrowding.
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