Kochi Water Metro to Add 15 Electric Ferries for Better Service

Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) is set to award a tender for the procurement of 15 new electric ferries, aiming to significantly enhance service frequency on its busiest routes. The new vessels will primarily serve the High Court, Fort Kochi and Vyttila, Kakkanad corridors, while also extending connectivity to Edakochi, Kadamakudy, Kumbalam, and Thevara. This expansion is expected to improve access for islanders and mainland residents alike.

Electric Fleet Expansion to Meet Growing Demand

KWML currently operates 20 electric-hybrid ferries in Greater Kochi, and the addition of 15 new electric boats will bring the fleet size to 38. According to Sajan P. John, KWML’s Chief Operating Officer, the decision to opt for fully electric ferries follows three years of successful operation of hybrid vessels. Three more ferries from the earlier batch are also slated to join the fleet in the coming months.

Each new ferry will have a passenger capacity of 100 and is expected to revolutionize peak-hour operations. “Once the new ferries are inducted, KWML will 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,” Mr. John stated.

Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Increased Operations

To accommodate the enhanced service frequency, KWML plans to install additional floating pontoons at key terminals, including Vyttila, High Court, and South Chittoor. These upgrades are crucial for ensuring seamless boarding and disembarking as passenger numbers rise.

Design Enhancements for Operational Efficiency

The new ferries will feature outboard motors, a significant design improvement over the inboard motors used in earlier models. Outboard motors can be lifted to remove debris like floating ropes, eliminating the need for workers to go beneath the vessel, a process that previously delayed operations. Other design elements will remain consistent with the existing fleet to maintain reliability and comfort.

A Vision for Island Connectivity

The Kochi Water Metro project was conceived as an extension of the city’s metro rail system, offering metro-like comfort and reliability to nearly one lakh islanders. By integrating more islands into the network and increasing service frequency, KWML aims to fulfill this vision while promoting sustainable transport through electric ferries.

Source: The Hindu