In an effort to boost economic growth, tourism, and transportation connectivity, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the country’s first “Water Metro” services on April 25 in Kochi, Kerala. The Water Metro is a unique urban mass transit system that promises the same experience and ease of travel as that of a conventional metro system. Here is all you need to know about this exciting new project.
Cost and Funding
The Water Metro project will be launched at a cost of Rs 1,136.83 crore in the port city of Kochi. The project is being funded jointly by the Government of Kerala and the German bank KfW.
Electric-Hybrid Boats
The Water Metro will use electric-hybrid boats, and Kochi Water Metro has already won the Gucci Electric Boats Award, an international award for electric boats.
Connectivity
The Water Metro will connect 10 islands in and around Kochi, and will have 78 electric boats and 38 terminals. Initially, the service will run from High Court-Vypin terminals to Vyttila-Kakkanad terminals in its first phase.
Floating Pontoons
One of the unique features of the Kochi Water Metro is the floating pontoons that can stay at the same level as the boat during eavesdropping and descending times. This means passengers can board and exit the boats smoothly and without any difficulties.
Travel Convenience
Passengers can travel on both Kochi metro and water metro using the “Kochi 1” card. They can also book tickets digitally. The minimum ticket rate for a boat journey is Rs 20, and weekly and monthly passes are available for regular passengers.
Benefits
According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the cost-effective and secure journey in air-conditioned boats will help people reach their destinations without getting stuck in traffic snarls. The Water Metro promises to be an eco-friendly, convenient, and comfortable mode of transportation.
Other Mass Rapid Transit Systems
Apart from the Water Metro, the Indian government has introduced various other forms of mass rapid transit systems. These include:
Metro Lite: A low-cost mass rapid transit system with the same experience and ease of travel as a conventional metro system. It is being planned in Jammu, Srinagar, and Gorakhpur.
Metro Neo: Rubber-tyred electric coaches powered by an overhead traction system running on a road slab with exclusive right of way, with the same experience and ease of travel as a conventional metro system. It is being planned in Nasik, Maharashtra.
Regional Rapid Transit System: A transformational intervention connecting two cities in NCR (Delhi – Meerut), set to revolutionize regional development.
In conclusion, the Water Metro promises to be a game-changer in the realm of urban mass transit systems in India. With its unique features, eco-friendliness, and connectivity, it is sure to be a hit with passengers. The other mass rapid transit systems introduced by the government also promised to revolutionize transportation in the country.
