PM Modi is all set to inaugurate the first phase of the Kochi Water Metro project in Kerala on April 25. The Kochi Water Metro project is said to revolutionize transportation in India as it is the country’s first-ever water metro system of its kind.
About Kochi Water Metro
- Kochi, often referred as the commercial capital of Kerala, is one of the most densely populated districts in the state.
- Inland water transport was once the primary means of freight and passenger transport on the Vembanadu lake. Water transport is inherently more efficient than either rail or road transport.
- Kochi is abundantly blessed with waterways with over 1,100 kms of waterways available.
- However, only 40 kms out of these are considered navigable for motor boats.
- The system has been declining over the last few decades and has seen minimal investment and technology upgrade.
- The Kochi Water Metro project envisages the development of 15 identified routes, connecting 10 islands along a network of routes that span 78 km.
- This will be achieved through a fleet of 78 fast hybrid ferries plying to 38 jetties.
- Boats planned for the project are electrically propelled. However, they have the backup of diesel-powered generators.
- The Kochi Water Metro project is expected to reduce pollution and traffic congestions in the city and also ease access to business areas on the mainland for urban household situated along the Kochi lakeshore.
- It is also expected to give a big boost to the tourism sector in the Kochi backwaters, apart from giving a modern transport facility for people living on islands on the outskirts of Kochi.
Traffic restrictions in Kochi
Tomorrow marks the inauguration of the Kochi Water Metro project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Therefore, as per the orders from higher authorities, vehicles will not be allowed to enter the West Kochi Island area from Thevara between 8 am to 10:30 am.
Also, they will not be allowed to enter Thevara from the West Kochi area. On the other hand, vehicles coming from Alappuzha, Idukki, and Kottayam should drop their passengers at Thevara Ferry Junction park at the Motor Vehicle Department’s Driving Test Ground on Thevara Ferry Boat Easter Road.
Various Components of the Project:
- The various components involved in the Kochi Water Metro project are –
- Boat terminals and Access infrastructure
- Boats
- Boatyards
- Dredging along the identified routes and terminals
- Systems – navigation, CCTV, etc.
- All passenger facilities available in metro rail coaches will be offered on the boats. Besides, boat jetties have been designed similar to metro stations.
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