Expanding Kochi model: New plans for Alappuzha and Kollam

KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has officially submitted preliminary feasibility reports to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for the implementation of Water Metro services in the districts of Alappuzha and Kollam. This initiative aims to replicate the success of the Kochi Water Metro model by integrating modern, eco-friendly electric boat transport into the existing inland waterway networks.

Alappuzha Water Metro

The Alappuzha proposal focuses on leveraging the district's extensive network of backwaters to enhance local connectivity.

• Waterway Length: 87.77 km
• Infrastructure: 15 Terminals
• Fleet Requirement: 61 Electric Boats
• Estimated Project Cost: Rs. 1370 crore
• Key Routes:
  • KSRTC – Punnamada – Kainakari – Nattakam
  • KSRTC – Punnamada – Muhamma
  • Pathiramanal – Kumarakom – Cherpunkal – Thanneermukkam Bund
  • Meenappally – Chennamkary – Moncompu
  • Kidangara – Kavalam
  • Moncompu – Pulingunnu – Kidangara
  • Muhamma – Pathiramanal – Kumarakom
  • KSRTC – Meenappally

Kollam Water Metro

The Kollam project aims to utilize the Ashtamudi Lake and surrounding waterways to improve transit efficiency.

• Waterway Length: 34.85 km
• Infrastructure: 15 Terminals
• Fleet Requirement: 35 Electric Boats
• Estimated Project Cost: Rs. 972 crore
• Key Routes:
  • KSRTC – Ashram Park – Kuripuzha – Kavanad – Sambranikodi – Pulimoottil Kadavu – Ashtamudi – Koivila
  • Koivila – Peringalam – Arinallur
  • Koivila – Munroe Island – Padappakkara – Techno Park – Kundara

Next Steps

The submission of these feasibility reports marks a critical step forward. If the preliminary reports receive official approval from the authorities, the project will move to the next phase, which involves the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). This document will provide a comprehensive roadmap for implementation, including technical specifications, financial structuring, and operational timelines.