KWML readying plans to extend Water Metro service to Thoppumpady, Edakochi

Taking into account the phenomenal demand for Water Metro ferries from the city to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) is readying plans to extend its service to Thoppumpady and Edakochi by 2027.

Efforts are now on to float tenders to construct terminals at the two locales. It would take approximately a year after the tenders are awarded for the terminals to be ready, said Sajan John, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of KWML.

“In all probability, the ferries would operate on the High Court-Mattancherry-Thoppumpady-Edakochi route and back. A second route, through the ‘inner channel’, would be the High Court-Thevara-Kumbalam stretch and back,” he added.

The proposal to establish a Water Metro terminal at Thevara is, in the meantime, caught in uncertainty, since the KSRTC reportedly sought higher compensation for the land that it owns in the area. A government decision is awaited on the matter, it is learnt.

In the immediate future, Water Metro ferries would be extended from the High Court terminal to Kadamakkudy, beginning from February or March, sources said. For this, a floating pontoon to berth the ferries would be installed at the tourist locale this month. The services to newer routes will be operated in tandem with the Cochin Shipyard handing over the final lot of the five ferries that are pending. The KWML had placed an order for a total of 25 ferries.