Context:
Prime Minister inaugurated the first phase of the Kochi Water Metro — a first of its kind public boat service in India integrated with a metro rail network.
Relevance:
GS III: Infrastructure
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Kochi Water Metro
- Boats and Features
About Kochi Water Metro
The Kochi Water Metro is a modern boat service project being implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRL) with German funding. The water metro is a feeder service of the Kochi metro rail and has been designed to offer modern facilities and enhanced safety measures.
Boats and Features:
- The Kochi Water Metro project comprises of 78 boats that are hybrid, battery-powered, air-conditioned and disabled-friendly.
- Each boat costs Rs 7 crore and can carry 100 passengers with a seating capacity of 50.
- These non-polluting, battery-powered boats produce low waves and can go up to a speed of eight nautical miles per hour.
- Boats have been designed as coaches of Kochi Metro with similar facilities such as passenger entry and exit gates, ticket counters, and safety measures.
- Boat terminals have been designed with electronic display boards about boat services, similar to the Kochi Metro.
Routes and Terminals:
- The water metro boat service will connect 10 nearby islands with the mainland of Kochi, covering a distance of 76 km.
- The project comprises of 38 jetties.
- Boat re-charging facilities have been provided in all terminals.
- The boats will operate on the backwaters of Kochi, similar to any other ferry or traditional boat service.
Existing Services:
- The Kerala Water Transport Department operates around 200-odd boat services on different routes that mainly connect Vypin islands to Kochi.
- These services have been criticised for poor passenger safety and being unpunctual.
- Apart from the water transport department, private players also operate stray services.
Project Cost and Stakeholders:
- The Kochi Water Metro project has been conceived as part of the Kochi Metro Rail service.
- The project cost has been revised to Rs 1136 crore.
- The boats have been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
-Source: Indian Express
