Bhubaneshwar, Feb 9:As part of an ongoing media tour to Kerala, a media delegation from Odisha, led by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, today visited the Kochi Water Metro, a pioneering and sustainable urban water transport initiative of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).
During the visit, the delegation interacted with senior officials of KMRL to gain first-hand insights into the planning, implementation and operational framework of the Kochi Water Metro. The delegation was briefed by Shaji P. Janardhanan, Chief General Manager (Water Transport), KMRL and Head of Kochi Water Metro, Dr. M.P. Ramnavas, Director (Projects), KMRL, and Shri K.K. Jayakumar, Head (PR & Social Media), KMRL.
Officials informed that since its inauguration on April 25, 2023, by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, the Kochi Water Metro has served over six million passengers, with an average daily ridership of more than 6,000 commuters. The project was highlighted as a climate-resilient, eco-friendly and inclusive mobility solution, operating with battery-powered electric vessels and modern terminals, thereby reducing carbon emissions while improving connectivity for island communities.
It was further highlighted that the Kochi Water Metro has improved mobility for island communities by providing safe, affordable and reliable transport, reducing travel time and strengthening last-mile connectivity, while emerging as a national model for low-carbon public transport.
Discussions during the interaction highlighted India’s integrated vision of leveraging waterways as engines of cultural connectivity, sustainable transport and economic growth. The officers also flagged the feasibility study by Kochi Water Metro along the Mahanadi riverfront in Cuttack, including the Silver City Boat Club, Bali Jatra Grounds, Barabati area, Deer Park, Chahata, Dhabaleswar Temple, Mundali Bridge, Odisha Maritime Museum and the Mandapada viewpoint, underscoring the region’s rich historical and scenic significance.
The discussions also reviewed recent budgetary initiatives for the strategic expansion of India’s inland waterway and coastal transport network, with special focus on Inland Waterway-5 (NW-5) . The Kochi Water Transport Project was highlighted as a benchmark for inclusive and sustainable urban mobility, showcasing seamless multimodal integration, universal accessibility and alignment with global sustainability goals.
The Kochi water metro project envisages the development of 15 identified routes, connecting 10 islands along a network of routes that span 78 km with a fleet of 78 fast, electrically propelled hybrid ferries plying to 38 jetties. More than 33000 islanders are expected to benefit from the water metro.
The media team also visited Adi Shankara Janmasthanam, Keerthi Sthambam at Kalady, Kodanad (Kaprikkad) Elephant Training Centre, Kerala Folklore Museum, the historic Mattancherry palace and Fort Kochi area.
Manoj Kumar Kali, Deputy Director and Swadhin Shakti Prasad,Media & Communication Officer, PIB Bhubaneswar and Shamila K.Y., Media & Communication Officer, PIB Kochi accompanied the team.
The PIB media tour aims to promote informed and field-based reporting by providing journalists with direct exposure to innovative infrastructure projects, sustainable development initiatives and cultural heritage sites of national importance.
