KMRL to help launch water metros across India, earn big bucks: Here’s how

Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) enjoys a spectacular potential to grow as a leading company in the transport sector as it has an incredible and unique experience of developing and running the water metro project in Kerala. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has entrusted KMRL to conduct a feasibility study for launching water metro projects in 21 cities. This will give KMRL a golden opportunity to achieve a monopoly over the construction of water metro projects in the country, just like how DMRC is the ultimate authority for metro rail projects.

Meanwhile, KMRL would also be able to earn billions in income if it is chosen as the executive agency overseeing the 21 projects. No other agency in the country can claim any experience in developing and running a major water metro project in a state. The idea of the water metro project in Kerala was conceived, designed, and executed by KMRL.

KMRL has submitted a proposal for launching a water metro project worth Rs 2500 crore in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government has urged the KMRL to oversee the construction and development of the project. Six per cent of the total expenses could be charged as fees for project implementation. Water metro projects in each city would cost at least Rs 2500 crore, giving KMRL an amazing opportunity to earn Rs 2400 as an implementation fee. Meanwhile, Rs 8 crore could be charged for preparing detailed project reports. KMRL could earn Rs 160 crore as a fee for preparing the DPR of 21 proposed projects. These projects would also create hundreds of new jobs, including 600 new engineers.

In addition to the Indian cities, representatives from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh have contacted KMRL, enquiring about the scope of launching water metro projects in these countries.