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{{short description|Integrated ferry transport system in Kochi, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Kochi Water Metro
| image = Kochi Water Metro Logo.png
| alt =
| imagesize =
| image2 = [[File:KWM Boat.jpg|frameless|center|upright=1.35]]
| caption2 =
| owner = [[Government of Kerala]] (74%)
<br> [[Kochi Metro Rail Limited|KMRL]] (26%)
| locale = [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| transit_type = Water Metro
| lines = 16 (Planned) <br> 6 (Operational)
| stations = 38 (Total) <br> 10 (Operational)
| ridership =
| system_length = {{cvt|76|km}}
| daily_ridership = 34,000
| chief_executive = [[Lokanath Behera]]
| headquarters = [[J. L. N. Stadium metro station]] 4th Floor, [[Kaloor]], Kochi, Kerala
| website = {{URL|https://watermetro.co.in|KWM}}
| operation_started =
| began_operation = {{start date and age|2023|04|26|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite news |author=Amit Chaturvedi |title=India's First Water Metro To Be Inaugurated In Kochi Today: 5 Points |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-first-water-metro-to-be-inaugurated-in-kochi-on-tuesday-5-points-3974915 |website=NDTV |date=25 April 2023 |access-date=25 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425025045/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-first-water-metro-to-be-inaugurated-in-kochi-on-tuesday-5-points-3974915 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| line_number = {{Unbulleted list|[[Vypin water metro station|Vypin]]--[[High Court water metro station|High Court]]|[[Vyttila water metro station|Vyttila]]--[[Kakkanad water metro station|Kakkanad]]|[[South Chittoor water metro station|South Chittoor]]--[[High Court water metro station|High Court]]|[[South Chittoor water metro station|South Chittoor]]--[[Cheranallur water metro station|Cheranelloor]]|[[High Court water metro station|High Court]]--[[Fort Kochi water metro station|Fort Kochi]]|[[High Court water metro station|High Court]] -- [[Willingdon Island Water Metro Station|Willingdon Island]] -- [[Mattancherry Water Metro Station|Mattancherry]]}}
| operator = [[Kochi Metro Rail Limited|KMRL]]
| vehicles = 23
| headway = 10 - 20 minutes
| average_speed = {{convert|8|kn|km/h}}
| top_speed = {{convert|10|kn|km/h}}
| map =
| map_name =
| map_state =
}}

'''Kochi Water Metro''' is a passenger [[ferry]] system serving the [[Kochi metropolitan area|Greater Kochi]] region in [[Kerala]], [[India]]. It is the first water metro system in India and the first integrated water transport system of this size in Asia. When fully operational, it will connect [[Kochi]]'s 10 island communities with the [[Ernakulam|mainland]] through a fleet of 78 [[Electric boat|hybrid electric boats]] operating along 38 terminals and 16 routes spanning {{Convert|76|km}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=Kochi Water Metro is Asia's first integrated water transport system: Chief Minister |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/thiruvananthapuram/2023/04/25/pinarayi-vijayan-about-kochi-water-metro-project.html |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=www.manoramaonline.com |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425101856/https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/thiruvananthapuram/2023/04/25/pinarayi-vijayan-about-kochi-water-metro-project.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is integrated with the [[Kochi Metro]] and serves as a feeder service to the suburbs along the rivers where transport access is limited.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-06-22 |title=Water metro tops priority list |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/Water-metro-tops-priority-list/article14396969.ece |access-date=2023-04-25 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020175431/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/Water-metro-tops-priority-list/article14396969.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

Construction started in 2016, and the first route between [[Vyttila]] and [[InfoPark, Kochi|InfoPark]] was inaugurated in February 2021 by [[List of chief ministers of Kerala|Chief Minister]] [[Pinarayi Vijayan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-water-metro-be-first-country-gets-clearance-centre-111454 |title=Water metro clears last environmental hurdle |newspaper=The News Minute |date=30 Oct 2019 |accessdate=23 Dec 2019 |archive-date=23 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223133225/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-water-metro-be-first-country-gets-clearance-centre-111454 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was officially inaugurated and opened to passengers by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] on 25 April 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Philip |first1=Shaju |title=PM Modi inaugurates Kochi Water Metro: What is this public boat service? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/pm-modi-inaugurates-kochi-water-metro-what-is-this-public-boat-service-8574754/ |access-date=2023-06-06 |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=2023-04-25}}</ref> As of September 22, 2025, the Kochi Water Metro has served over 5 million passengers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kochi Water Metro: Touches 50 Lakh Passenger Milestone in 29 Months |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/kochi-water-metro-touches-50-lakh-passenger-mark-3737706 |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Kochi Water Metro-Inside.jpg|thumb|Passengers inside the Kochi Water Metro boat]]
In 2020, the Kochi Water Metro ordered 23 [[Electric boat|electric ferries]], as part of the first stage of a project to introduce 78 [[Zero emission|zero-emission]] vessels.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kochi Water Metro |url=https://echandia.se/projects/kochi-water-metro/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Echandia |language=en}}</ref> The ferries were ordered to be built by [[Cochin Shipyard]], with propulsion systems designed by [[Siemens]] and Echandia.<ref name=":0" /> Cochin Shipyard delivered the first of 23 electric ferries in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cochin Shipyard handovers India's first Water Metro ferry to Kochi Metro |url=https://urbantransportnews.com/news/cochin-shipyard-handovers-indias-first-water-metro-ferry-to-kochi-metro |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128072348/https://urbantransportnews.com/news/cochin-shipyard-handovers-indias-first-water-metro-ferry-to-kochi-metro |archive-date=28 January 2022 |access-date=28 January 2022 |website=Urban Transport News}}</ref>

The phase 1 consists of 3 lines out of which the [[Vyttila Mobility Hub|Vyttila]]-[[InfoPark Kochi|InfoPark]] was inaugurated on 15 February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kochi will have to wait longer for Water Metro |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2022/jan/10/kochi-will-have-to-wait-longer-for-water-metro-2404965.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408082553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2022/jan/10/kochi-will-have-to-wait-longer-for-water-metro-2404965.html |archive-date=8 April 2022 |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=The New Indian Express |date=9 January 2022 }}</ref> The [[Vypin water metro station|Vypin]]-[[Kerala High Court|High Court]] line began service on 26 April 2023 and the Vyttila-[[Kakkanad water metro station|Kakkanad]] line began service on 27 April 2023. Phase 1 is expected to be fully operational in 2024 and on becoming so, it is expected to serve 34,000 passengers a day. The entire water metro system is expected to become fully operational by 2035 with a daily ridership of 1.5 lakh passengers. The annual carbon emissions is also expected to reduce by 44,000 tonnes once the project is fully operational.

In January 2025, the Kochi Water Metro added an emergency response boat to its fleet, meant to respond to potential accidents, fires, and natural disasters.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-01-26 |title=Kochi Water Metro gets Emergency Response Boat |url=https://watermetro.co.in/news/kochi-water-metro-gets-emergency-response-boat |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Kochi Water Metro |language=en}}</ref>

==Routes and Terminals==
{{Expand section|date=December 2022}}
[[File:High Court water metro station.jpg|thumb|High Court water metro station]]
[[File:Kochi Water Metro Boat at High Court Boat Jetty 2023-09-30-16-09-15-149.jpg|thumb|Kochi Water Metro Boat at Highcourt Boat Jetty]]
[[File:Kochi Water Metro Route.png|thumb|Route Map of Kochi Water Metro|250 px]]
Kochi is mostly surrounded by backwaters and bordered by the [[Arabian Sea]]. It is interconnected by hundreds of waterways, which offers a way to make the public transport system much more accessible and environment friendly. Water Metro is expected to solve the travel issues of the islanders of [[Willingdon Island|Willington]], [[Kumbalam, Ernakulam|Kumbalam]], [[Vypin|Vypeen]], [[Edakochi]], [[Nettoor]], [[Vyttila]], [[Eroor]], [[Kakkanad]], and [[Mulavukad]].<ref>{{Cite web |agency=TNN |date=Mar 6, 2022 |title=3 Water Metro Terminals Ready For Functioning {{!}} Kochi News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/3-water-metro-terminals-ready-for-functioning/articleshow/90023342.cms |access-date=2022-12-27 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227181049/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/3-water-metro-terminals-ready-for-functioning/articleshow/90023342.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> A high-speed service connecting [[Aluva]], [[Kalady]] and the [[Cochin International Airport]] via the [[Periyar River|Periyar river]] has been proposed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kochi Metro services till 11 pm from Sunday: Details |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2026/02/13/kochi-metro-services-shivaratri.html |access-date=2026-02-14 |website=@onmanorama}}</ref>

* In the first phase, the water metro started sailing on two routes, [[High Court water metro station|High Court]] to [[Vypin water metro station|Vypin]] and [[Vyttila water metro station|Vyttila]] to [[Kakkanad water metro station|Kakkanad]] with eight electric-hybrid boats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Modi on 2-day Kerala visit, will launch India's first water metro, meet church leaders |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-to-launch-country-first-water-metro-in-kochi-tomorrow-2363842-2023-04-24 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=India Today |date=24 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053506/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-to-launch-country-first-water-metro-in-kochi-tomorrow-2363842-2023-04-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 14 March 2024, two new routes and four stations were inaugurated. One route is from High Court station to [[South Chittoor water metro station|South Chittoor]], through [[Bolgatty water metro station|Bolgatty]] and [[Mulavukad North water metro station|Mulavukad North]], while the other route is from South Chittoor to [[Cheranallur water metro station|Cheranelloor]] through [[Eloor water metro station|Eloor]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=രണ്ട് പുതിയ റൂട്ടിലേക്ക് കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോയെത്തുന്നു; നാല് ടെർമിനലുകളുടെ ഉദ്ഘാടനം വ്യാഴാഴ്ച്ച |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/latest-news/kerala-news/kochi-water-metro-to-two-new-routes-inauguration-of-four-terminals-on-thursday/articleshow/108436258.cms |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref>
* On 11 October 2025, two new routes and two stations inaugurated: High Court to new Willindon Island station and High Court to new Mattancherry station.

===Stations in service===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!
!Station name
!Image
|-
!1
|[[Eloor water metro station|Eloor]]
|-
!2
|[[Cheranallur water metro station|Cheranallur]]
|-
!3
|[[South Chittoor water metro station|South Chittoor]]
|-
!4
|[[High Court water metro station|High Court]]
|[[File:High Court water metro station in Kochi.jpg|150px]]
|-
!5
|[[Vypin water metro station|Vypin]]
|[[File:Vypin water metro station.jpg|150px]]
|-
!6
|[[Fort Kochi water metro station|Fort Kochi]]
|-
!7
|[[Vyttila water metro station|Vyttila]]
|[[File:Vyttila water metro station entry.jpg|150px]]
|-
!8
|[[Kakkanad water metro station|Kakkanad]]
|[[File:Kakkanad Water Metro station.jpg|150px]]
|-
!9
|[[Willingdon Island Water Metro Station|Willingdon Island]]
|
|-
!10
|[[Mattancherry Water Metro Station|Mattancherry]]
|[[File:Mattancherry Water Metro Station.jpg|184x184px]]
|}

==Funding==
The total cost of the Water Metro project is {{INRConvert|1137|c}}. The [[KfW]] Development Bank will be providing EUR 85 million as long-term soft loan and the Government of Kerala and KMRL will be contributing {{INRConvert|102|c}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/KMRL-German-bank-to-sign-pact-for-Water-Metro/2016/07/22/article3541131.ece | title=KMRL, German bank to sign pact for Water Metro | publisher=New Indian Express | date=22 July 2016 | accessdate=22 July 2016 | archive-date=23 July 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723192851/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/KMRL-German-bank-to-sign-pact-for-Water-Metro/2016/07/22/article3541131.ece | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=E |first=Krishna Kumar K. |date=2025-04-18 |title=Germany happy with Kochi Water Metro, keen to fund more vessels |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Apr/18/germany-happy-with-kochi-water-metro-keen-to-fund-more-vessels |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

==Operations==
===Fare collection===
The minimum ticket price of the metro system is 20 rupees and the maximum ticket charge is 40 rupees. Weekly passes are available at 180 rupees whereas a monthly pass costs 600 rupees and a quarterly 1500. Single journey tickets and various travel passes are available from the ticket counters in the terminals. Water Metro can be accessed using the Kochi Metro One card. It is also possible to travel using the mobile QR code booked through the Kochi One app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=കാത്തിരിപ്പിന് മണിക്കൂറുകൾ മാത്രം ,രാജ്യത്തെ ആദ്യ വാട്ടർമെട്രോ സർവീസ്, മോദി നാളെ ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്യും |url=https://www.asianetnews.com/kerala-news/modi-to-inagurate-first-water-metro-service-tomorrow-at-kochi-rtluyg |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=www.asianetnews.com |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425101857/https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/kerala-news/modi-to-inagurate-first-water-metro-service-tomorrow-at-kochi-rtluyg |url-status=live }}</ref> The Automatic Fare Collection system being implemented by the Kochi Metro will be extended to water transport system which facilitates travelling the metro train and the boat using the same ticket.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

During off-peak hours Water Metro Ferries are available for rent on an hourly basis for tourism.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-05 |title=Now, rent a Water Metro ferry to go on backwater tours |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/now-rent-a-water-metro-ferry-to-go-on-backwater-tours/article69184251.ece |access-date=2025-05-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

===Frequency===
In the first phase, the service will be provided from 7 am to 8 pm. The service frequency is 15 minutes during peak hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-23 |title=കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ: റൂട്ട്, സമയം, നിരക്ക് {{!}} അറിയേണ്ടതെല്ലാം |url=https://www.twentyfournews.com/2023/04/23/kochi-water-metro-route-ticket-rate-time.html |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Twentyfournews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425101858/https://www.twentyfournews.com/2023/04/23/kochi-water-metro-route-ticket-rate-time.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The headways vary between 10 minutes to 20 minutes across various routes.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

===Management===
[[Kochi Water Metro Limited]] has been formed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with 74% of the shareholding being owned by the [[Government of Kerala|Kerala government]] and 26% by [[Kochi Metro Rail Limited]] (KMRL). It is operated and maintained by the KMRL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala govt, KMRL sign pact, Kochi Water Metro to set sail soon |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2021/06/02/kerala-govt--kmrl-sign-pact--kochi-water-metro-to-set-sail-soon.html |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
[[File:Views during Kochi Water Metro ride.jpg|thumb|Views during Kochi Water Metro ride]]

=== Fleet ===
Two variants of modernised air-conditioned and Wi-Fi enabled catamaran passenger boats were proposed for the project. The electric propulsion boats have passenger capacities of 50 and 100, and were designed operate at an optimal speed of about {{Convert|15|km/h|knots}}, with the potential to increase up to {{Convert|19|km/h|knots}}. Of these only the 100 passenger boats have been ordered for manufacturing and for the 50 passenger capacity boats the builder is yet to be finalised.{{When|date=August 2025}} The boats are equipped with standard safety and communication devices. Small battery operated boats ply on the narrow lanes.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 June 2016 |title=Kochi Water Metro project moves ahead in full steam |url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/business/news/kochi-water-metro-project-moves-ahead-in-full-steam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725050204/http://english.manoramaonline.com/business/news/kochi-water-metro-project-moves-ahead-in-full-steam.html |archive-date=25 July 2016 |accessdate=22 July 2016 |publisher=Manorama Online}}</ref> The jetties are proposed to have floating pontoons with automatic docking system technology. The floating [[Float (nautical)|pontoons]] are covered with retractable sheds to provide comfort during rainy season.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |date=2022-12-19 |title=KMRL floats tender for Design and construction of Kochi Water Metro Project |url=https://www.metrorailnews.in/kmrl-floats-tender-for-design-and-construction-of-kochi-water-metro-project/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109170639/https://www.metrorailnews.in/kmrl-floats-tender-for-design-and-construction-of-kochi-water-metro-project/ |archive-date=9 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Metro Rail News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Kochi Water Metro has two types of boats that can carry 100 passengers and 50 passengers at a time. These boats have won the ''Gussis Electric Boat Award'', an international award for electric boats. The boats and terminals are designed as fully disabled-friendly. Kochi Water Metro has the innovation of a boat that can be operated in battery and hybrid mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=നീരണിയുമോ വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ? സജ്ജമായി 9 ബോട്ടുകൾ, പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്യുമെന്ന പ്രതീക്ഷയിൽ കേരളം |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/local-news/ernakulam/chances-of-narendra-modi-inaugurating-kochi-water-metro-as-all-procedures-complete/articleshow/99511671.cms |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419023719/https://malayalam.samayam.com/local-news/ernakulam/chances-of-narendra-modi-inaugurating-kochi-water-metro-as-all-procedures-complete/articleshow/99511671.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> These boats are built in a hybrid system.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}{{Clarify|date=August 2025}} Boats can be powered by a diesel generator in case of emergency.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

Some of the Kochi Water Metro's electric boats are built by [[Cochin Shipyard]], with propulsion systems designed by [[Siemens]] and Echandia.<ref name=":0" />

In January 2025, the Kochi Water Metro added an emergency response boat to its fleet, meant to respond to potential accidents, fires, and natural disasters.<ref name=":1" />

Kochi Water Metro is also first of a kind in the world to have such an extensive network of battery-powered boats. The boats uses [[lithium-titanate battery|lithium titanate oxide battery]] that can be charged very quickly and meets high safety standards. It can be charged in 10–15 minutes and there is a facility to charge the batteries even when the passengers are boarding and disembarking. The speed of the boat is 8 knots in battery mode and 10 knots in hybrid mode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=Keralakaumudi |title=കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ; കുതിക്കട്ടെ ഗതാഗതവും വിനോദസഞ്ചാരവും |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/news/news.php?id=1054262&u=water-metro-1054262 |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Keralakaumudi Daily |language=en |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425101859/https://keralakaumudi.com/news/news.php?id=1054262&u=water-metro-1054262 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A thermal camera is also equipped to assist the boat operator during night travel. The boats are also equipped with [[radar]]s. The passenger counting system is used to enter Kochi Water Metro boats to prevent the number of passengers from getting increased more than the designated level. Floating pontoons which can stay at the same level with the boats during high tide and low tide are the specialty of Kochi Water Metro. The rescue boats of the metro system are able to start rescue operations within 10 minutes in case of any kind of accident.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India First Water Metro:തലയുയർത്തി കൊച്ചി; രാജ്യത്തെ ആദ്യ വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ; ഓളപ്പരപ്പിലെ യാത്രയ്ക്ക് ആദ്യം ഒമ്പത് ബോട്ടുകൾ |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/local-news/ernakulam/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-india-first-water-metro-in-kochi/articleshow/99755849.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425101900/https://malayalam.samayam.com/local-news/ernakulam/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-india-first-water-metro-in-kochi/articleshow/99755849.cms |archive-date=25 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref>

=== Operation Control Centre ===
[[File:Interiors of Kochi Water Metro.jpg|thumb|Interiors of Kochi Water Metro boat]]
The main hub for the Kochi Water Metro is the Operation Control Centre.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=K E |first=Krishna Kumar |date=2025-04-10 |title=Kochi Water Metro to shift operations control from Vyttila Hub to HC terminal |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2025/Apr/10/kochi-water-metro-to-shift-operations-control-from-vyttila-hub-to-hc-terminal |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> As of April 2025, the OCC is located in the [[Vyttila Mobility Hub]], although there are plans to move it to the High Court terminal.<ref name=":2" /> Kochi Water Metro Officials have stated that "a majority of services are being operated from" the High Court terminal, and that "a majority of passengers are also from" the area, while just one of the system's routes operate near the Vyttila Mobility Hub.<ref name=":2" /> Doing so would also free up space in the Vyttila Mobility Hub, enabling the Kochi Water Metro to rent out up about {{Convert|29000|ft2}} of space for commercial occupancy.<ref name=":2" />

==Recognition==

=== International attention ===
The Kochi Water Metro is featured in UN Habitat-World Cities Report Climate Action case studies in its November 2024 edition under the heading "Enhancing Urban Mobility through Low-Carbon Water Transport"[https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2024/11/world_cities_report_2024_case_study_annex.pdf#page=52]. Similar reports were also featured in Development Asia, the Asian Development Bank's knowledge collaboration platform and the NDC Partnership, a coalition of more than 130 countries for Climate Action and Sustainable development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Enhancing Urban Mobility through Low-Carbon Water Transport |url=https://development.asia/insight/enhancing-urban-mobility-through-low-carbon-water-transport |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Development Asia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Enhancing Urban Mobility through Low-Carbon Water Transport: Kochi Water Metro Project {{!}} NDC Partnership |url=https://ndcpartnership.org/knowledge-portal/good-practice-database/enhancing-urban-mobility-through-low-carbon-water-transport-kochi-water-metro-project |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=ndcpartnership.org |language=en}}</ref>

===Awards and Recognitions===
The electric boats of Kochi Water Metro which were built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) won the Gussies Electric Boat Award for the year 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-18 |title=Water Metro boats win Gussies award |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/water-metro-boats-win-gussies-award/articleshow/95592944.cms |access-date=2025-05-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Model Replication to other Cities==

=== Urban Water Transport System ===
The success of Kochi Water Metro has triggered a feasibility study by the India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to replicate similar projects in other navigable inland waterways in the country. Initially a list of 17 Cities were finalized and later later four more cities were added. This includes [[Prayagraj]], [[Varanasi]], [[Ayodhya]], [[Patna]], [[Ahmedabad]], [[Surat]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu & Kashmir]], [[Goa]], [[Kolkata]], [[Dhubri]], [[Mangaluru]], [[Kollam]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Mumbai]], [[Vasai]], [[Tezpur]], [[Dibrugarh]], [[Cuttack]] and [[Chilika Assembly constituency|Chilika]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-04-24 |title=Four more cities selected for Water Metro feasibility study |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/four-more-cities-selected-for-water-metro-feasibility-study/articleshow/120590619.cms |access-date=2025-05-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

On 17th March 2026, KMRL submitted a feasibility study to the [[Inland Waterways Authority of India]] for extension of services to 18 cities across India after conducting studies,extensive field visits, surveys and multiple technical assessments. Services have also been proposed to be extended over to [[Alappuzha]],[[Kollam]] and the [[Lakshadweep Islands|Lakshadweep Islands.]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=KMRL submits feasibility report for water metro in Alappuzha, Kollam & 16 locations across India |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/03/14/kmrl-feasinbility-resport-on-water-metro-in-11-states-of-india.html |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=@onmanorama |language=en}}</ref>
=== Confirmed Projects ===
[[Karnataka]]'s [[Chief Minister of Karnataka|Chief Minister]] [[Siddaramaiah]] has approved the [[Mangaluru]] Water Metro project on April 23, 2025, making Karnataka the second state in India to adopt such an extensive water-based transit system.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-04-26 |title=Mangaluru soon to get water metro system; second in India after Kerala |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/mangaluru-soon-to-get-water-metro-system-second-in-india-after-kerala/articleshow/120641464.cms |access-date=2025-05-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> A delegation from the state observed various operational and technical aspects and development timelines to conduct feasibility studies prior to project implementation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2026-02-08 |title=Water Metro for coastal belt, Karnataka looks at Kochi model |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Feb/04/water-metro-for-coastal-belt-karnataka-looks-at-kochi-model |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

On 13 September 2025, KMRL won a tender to conduct a [[feasibility study]] and prepare a [[Detailed Project Report]] for replication of Water Metro Services to [[Mumbai]].The project will cover nearly 250 km of waterways connecting localities such as the [[Mumbai Port]], [[Karanja, Raigad|Karanja]], [[Vaitarna]], [[Vasai]], [[Manori]], [[Thane]] [[Kalyan]], [[Navi Mumbai]], [[Bandra]], [[Worli]] and [[Panvel]] on 250 kilometres of waterways and include 21 routes, 49 terminals and 207 boats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KMRL bags ₹4.4 cr contract to chart Mumbai Water Metro project |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/09/12/kochi-metro-mumbai-water-metro.html |access-date=2025-09-13 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> If launched, project would be managed jointly by KMRL and the [[Maharashtra Maritime Board]]. KMRL has estimated the project to cost ₹6,067 crore during its bid submission.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=V. Sajeev |date=2026-03-23 |title=Kochi to repeat water metro feat in Mumbai |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/kochi-to-repeat-water-metro-feat-in-mumbai/article70772895.ece |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Consultancy services ===
KMRL provides multiple services for;
# Conducting feasibility studies and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPR).
# Facilitating the land acquisition process in collaboration with the revenue department and Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs).
# Conducting geological and topographic surveys, including LiDAR surveys.
# Performing hydrographic surveys and assessing navigation feasibility, including channel marking.
# Assisting in liaising with various government departments and statutory authorities in India.
# Providing design & construction monitoring and supervision for both civil and marine infrastructures.
# Designing and developing modern sea-going and inland vessels.
# Implementing Intelligent Transport Management Systems.
# Developing and implementing Passenger Control Systems and Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gate systems for efficient operations.
# Offering operational support for marine projects and assisting with operational readiness for the operation team.
# Assisting with any other marine-related projects.
# Supervising the installation of EV charging stations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kochi Water Metro {{!}} Consultancy-Services |url=https://watermetro.co.in/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Kochi Water Metro |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Transport in Kochi]]
* [[Kochi Metro]]
* [[Water transport in India#Metro|List of Water Metros in India]]
* [[Mumbai Water Metro]]
* [[Waterways transport in Kerala|Waterway transportation in Kerala]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Kerala transit}}

[[Category:Ferry transport in India]]
[[Category:Water taxis and water buses]]
[[Category:Kochi Water Metro]]
[[Category:Transport in Kochi]]
[[Category:2023 establishments in Kerala]]

Kochi Water Metro - Revision history

YourPritam7 at 14:50, 7 May 2026