Shillong, Sept 7: The media delegation from Meghalaya and Sikkim visited the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) Corporate Office and Port Authority on Monday ( Sept 7 as part of their joint press tour to Kerala organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The visit provided the delegation an opportunity to understand the Kochi Water Metro and its relevance as a model for water-based public transport, particularly for regions such as the Northeast with rich river and water resources.
The delegation was briefed by Dr. M.P. Ram Navas, Director (Projects), Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), and Shaji P. Janardhanan, Chief General Manager, Kochi Water Metro. The officials explained the development and functioning of the Water Metro, including its passenger services, safety features, modern electric vessels and integration with the city’s public transport network.
The Kochi Water Metro was inaugurated on April 25, 2023. It currently operates with 20 boats through 12 terminals and records an average daily ridership of around 6,000 passengers. By connecting mainland areas with island communities, the system serves the everyday mobility needs of residents while also facilitating tourism.
The initiative reflects the vision of the Prime Minister for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, demonstrating how modern, technology-driven and sustainable transport solutions can be developed using locally available geographical resources to meet the mobility needs of a city.
Unlike a conventional ferry service, the Water Metro has been developed as an organised urban transport system, with modern terminals, dedicated passenger facilities and integration with other modes of public transport. Its battery-operated electric vessels offer a cleaner alternative for movement across the city’s waterways while providing a comfortable and accessible travel option.
The model holds particular relevance for the Northeast. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries constitute a major waterway network in the region, while Meghalaya and Sikkim are endowed with rivers, lakes and other water bodies that are closely linked to their geography, communities and tourism. Feasibility studies for introducing water-based public transport along the Brahmaputra have already been carried out in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur. The Kochi experience offers useful practical insights into how waterways can be incorporated into organised public transport, wherever local geographical and technical conditions permit.
The broader potential of the model is also reflected in the interest in water-based urban transport projects in different parts of the country, with feasibility assessments being undertaken to examine solutions suited to the specific requirements of individual cities and regions.
Following the briefing, the delegation undertook a Water Metro journey from High Court to Fort Kochi. The ride gave the media representatives first-hand experience of the vessels, passenger facilities and the functioning of the Water Metro on an operational route.
The visit enabled the delegation to gain a closer understanding of Kochi’s approach to integrating its waterways with urban mobility and the possibilities of adapting such innovative solutions to other water-rich regions. The press tour is aimed at providing media representatives from the Northeast with first-hand exposure to significant infrastructure projects and development initiatives in Kerala for wider dissemination among audiences in their respective states.
Visit to Cochin Port Authority
A joint media delegation from Meghalaya and Sikkim, also visited the Cochin Port Authority . Satish Honnakkatte, Dy. Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority, welcomed the delegation and interacted with them on port operations, infrastructure, logistics and the role of Cochin Port in facilitating trade and maritime connectivity.
Heads of gepartments and senior officials were also present. The delegation toured key operational areas of Cochin Port through the backwaters and visited Ernakulam Wharf.
