Kochi Water Metro is an integrated transportation system in the city of Kochi, located in Kerala. It was basically launched to help people living on the islands. Earlier, they used to travel via the boat to reach the main city of Kochi. However, this advanced transport water metro system helps them to travel faster and easier. This transportation system uses electric boats. These boats function like buses or metro, but on water.
About Kochi Water Metro
In India, this project is first of its kind. And, in the world, this project stands as one of the biggest water transport projects. Kochi is a beautiful city that is surrounded by rivers, sea and lakes. There are many people who live on the islands that are located outside the main Kochi city. This water transport connects these islands and helps people living there to travel to the main city in a lesser time.
For this transportation, modern electronic boats are used. Notably, these boats make it easier and faster for island people. Also, they do not harm the environment and the water because they are friendly to the environment.
Establishment Details
| Name of the Project | Kochi Water Metro |
| Location | Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Launched By | Kochi Metro Rail Limited |
| Owned By | Joint Venture – Govt. of India and Govt. of Kerala |
| Planning Started | 2016 |
| Beginning of Construction | 2019 |
| Inaugurated On | 25th of April, 2023 |
| Inaugurated By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| First Route | Vyttila – Kakkanad: High Court – Vypeen |
| Expected Completion of Full Project | 2035 |
| Budget | Approximately 1137 crore INR |
| Funding Partners | Kerala Metro Rail Ltd., Govt. of Kerala, Govt. of India, KfW (Germany) |
| Boat Type | Electric Hybrid Ferries |
| Builder of Boats | Cochin Shipyard Ltd. |
| Total number of Planned boats | 78 |
| Total Waterway Length | 76 km |
| Total number of stations | 38 Jetties |
| Integration With | Kochi bus, metro, auto, cycle |
| System of Ticketing | Kochi one smart card, Mobile App, QR code |
| Hours of Operations | 7:00 am to 8:00 pm |
Need of This Water Metro ?
While travelling to the main Kochi city, people living on the islands that are located outside the main city used to face several difficulties. The ferry boats that were used to travel to the city were not safe. Also, they took a lot of time to drop people to the city. Hence, a better transportation system for the people living on islands was needed.
This water metro runs on the water, it is a project that the govt. came up with. It is way safer and faster than the traditional ferry boats. The electric hybrid boats also promote cleanliness and eco-friendliness. Notably, people can easily switch between train and boat as this project is designed to work with the Kochi Metro Rail.
Features of the Boats
- Fully electric
- Eco friendly
- Built by using modern technology
- 50-100 passengers can travel at one time.
- Interiors are modern and air-conditioned.
- Fast charging of the boats.
- Smooth and silent
- Also accessible for disabled and elderly passengers (ramps, elevators, wheelchairs)
- Ensures safety through cctv cameras
- Safety instructions
- Life jackets for safety
- Real-time monitoring system available
- Metro like experience on water
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Advantages of Water Metro
- Faster travel to the Kochi city
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Increase in tourism because of the scenic beauty.
- Comfortable and smooth ride to the city.
- Safe travel.
Operational Routes
As of 2025, the routes that have been opened are:
- Vyttila to Kakkanad
- High Court to Vypeen
- Fort Kochi to Mattancherry
Tickets
The tickets for electric hybrid boats are available on an affordable pricing:
| Type of Ticket | Pricing |
| Single Trip Pass | Ranges from ₹20 to ₹40 |
| Weekly Pass | Around ₹180 |
| Monthly pass | Around ₹600 |
| Quarterly Pass | Around ₹1500 |
Challenges Faced
Undoubtedly the project serves so many advantages. However, it also faces a few strong challenges:
- Availability of proper power supply for charging of the boats is quite a task.
- A lot of time is taken in the training of staff
- Maintenance of the boats
- In some areas, for the boat to travel smoothly, it is necessary to make the water deeper.
- Some stations and boats are still under construction
Connection Status of Islands
| Island | Route | Connection Status |
| Vypin Island | High Court route | Connected |
| Mulavukad | Via South Chittoor | Connected |
| South Chittoor | To Eloor and Cheranallur | Connected |
| Eloor | Not known | Connected |
| Cheranallur | Via South Chittoor to Cheranallur | Connected |
| Fort Kochi | High Court – Fort Kochi | Connected |
| Mattancherry | Willingdon route | Coming Soon |
| Willingdon Island | Mattancherry route | Coming Soon |
| Kakkanad | Vytilla – Kakkanad | Connected |
| Kumbalam | Expected soon | Planned |
| Edakochi | Pending | Planned |
| Nettoor | Pending | Planned |
| Kadamakudy | Expected soon | Planned |
| Pizhala | Waiting | Planned |
Future Plans
Along with working on fulfilment of the challenges, the government is also working towards a few plans. These plans are to:
- Introduce tourist packages. It will include scenic view along with a guide.
- Launch new routes along with new boats. It will happen by the end of 2025.
- To build a better connectivity between water metro and other transport systems like metro, autos and buses.
Conclusion
Kochi Water Metro is a major water transport system for travellers who want to travel from the Islands to the main city. It is operational since 2023 and expected to be completed by 2035. This transport system is one of the biggest water transport project in the world.
The ticket prices are set while keeping affordability in mind. Moreover, by the end of 2025, more routes will be opened and more boats will be launched. It is a very efficient and effective water transport as the boats are fully electrical, comfortable and faster than traditional ferry boats.
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