Kochi Water Metro expands fleet with 15 new electric boats to boost services
Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) is set to award a tender for the procurement of 15 electric ferries, a move that will significantly boost service frequency on two of its most popular routes – High Court–Fort Kochi and Vyttila–Kakkanad. The new vessels are expected to reduce waiting times and improve connectivity for thousands of daily commuters in the Greater Kochi area.
Beyond the existing routes, some of the new ferries will be deployed to connect the mainland with Edakochi, Kadamakudy, Kumbalam, and Thevara, extending the reach of the water metro to more island communities. This expansion aligns with the project's goal of integrating isolated areas into the urban transport network.
"The induction of new vessels would help connect more islands with mainland Kochi. We decided to opt for electric ferries after gaining confidence from operating the electric-hybrid ones for over three years," said Sajan P. John, Chief Operating Officer, KWML.
At present, KWML operates 20 electric-hybrid ferries in the Greater Kochi area. With the addition of 15 new electric ferries, the total fleet size will rise to 38, including three more vessels from the first batch expected to join in the coming months. Each new ferry is designed to carry 100 passengers, matching the capacity of the existing fleet.
The pre-bid meetings have concluded, and qualified firms are expected to submit their bids by Monday, August 10. The tender process is a critical step in expanding the water metro network, which has been operational for over three years and has become a key component of Kochi's public transport system.
Mr. John explained that the increased fleet will enable KWML to operate a ferry every 10 minutes during peak hours on the Fort Kochi and Kakkanad routes, compared to the current frequency of one ferry every 15 to 20 minutes. To support this higher frequency, additional floating pontoons will be installed at the Vyttila, High Court, and South Chittoor terminals.
A notable design change in the new ferries is the adoption of outboard motors. These motors can be lifted to remove floating ropes and other debris that may become entangled, a task that currently requires workers to go beneath the ferry. The rest of the design will remain largely unchanged, ensuring consistency and ease of maintenance.
The Kochi Water Metro project was conceived as the waterway extension of the Kochi Metro, with the aim of providing metro rail-like comfort, reliability, and safety to approximately one lakh island residents. As the first project of its kind in India, it serves as a model for sustainable urban water transport. The addition of more electric ferries is expected to further reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and offer a quieter, cleaner mode of travel for thousands of daily commuters.
