Kochi Water Metro to connect Kadamakkudy island cluster in April, primary corridor to link HC terminal

_{Kochi: The long-anticipated expansion of the Kochi Water Metro into the scenic Kadamakkudy island cluster is now firmly on course for an April launch, with all major infrastructure works completed and final operational preparations underway. Terminal construction at Kadamakkudy and Paliyamthuruthu has been fully completed, marking a significant milestone in extending the water-based urban mobility deeper into Kochi’s backwater network.}

_{However, before the first boat can glide into these stations, authorities are addressing a natural challenge that comes with operating in tidal estuaries: heavy silt accumulation in the region. According to sources within Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), dredging operations have finally begun in the approach channels near the new terminals. The aim is to ensure a consistent two-metre depth along the navigation path to accommodate the Water Metro’s deep-draft, battery-powered electric boats.}

_{“The backwaters near the stations need to be deepened to maintain the minimum depth of two metres for the boats to sail smoothly. Dredging will be carried out wherever necessary between Kadamakkudy and South Chittoor to ensure the minimum depth and to guarantee smooth and safe operations,” said KMRL sources. The specialised concrete floating pontoons, one of the final major components, are currently being installed. The floating pontoons will ensure that both boats and the terminal remain level during high and low tides.}

_{Designed in the signature Water Metro style, the terminal will feature contemporary infrastructure, including air-conditioned waiting lounges and Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates. The entire facility will also be universally accessible and fully disability-friendly. While the route is yet to be finalised, the primary corridor will link the High Court terminal to Kadamakkudy, dramatically reducing travel time between the city and the archipelago, which is one of the most important tourist spots in Kochi now. A journey that now takes considerably longer along congested island roads is expected to be completed in just 20 minutes by water.}

_{It is learnt that, in order to protect around 40 traditional Chinese fishing nets located along the straight Pizhala-Kadamakkudy stretch, boats are likely to take a short detour via either Vypeen or Vallarpadam. The detour safeguards these iconic structures, a living symbol of Kochi’s maritime past and the livelihood of local fishermen, while offering commuters sweeping views of the backwaters.}

_{“Routes, timings, etc., are yet to be finalised. Unlike the city’s high-frequency corridors that operate every 15 minutes, services to Kadamakkudy may run based on passenger demand. Cochin Shipyard Limited is expected to hand over the three remaining boats to Kochi Water Metro soon. Once these boats are operational, we can ensure regular services to Kadamakkudy,” said sources.}

_{The project is expected to significantly benefit the island cluster. Known for its rustic village life and scenic sunsets, Kadamakkudy will become more accessible to both domestic and international tourists without the constraints of narrow internal roads. While bridges connect parts of the islands, many interior areas remain reachable only through tight lanes; the water metro offers a reliable, high-capacity alternative to enhance the scenic experience of the islands, known for their Pokkali rice fields, prawn filtration farms, mangroves and birdlife. Officials see the extension not merely as a transport link but as the opening of an eco-tourism corridor.}

_{Beyond improving mobility, the terminal is projected to boost real estate values in Kochi and Kadamakkudy, stimulate local businesses ranging from homestays to toddy shops and ethnic seafood outlets. It will promote environmental sustainability through the use of electric-hybrid boats that minimise pollution and protect the fragile ecosystems that define Kadamakkudy’s appeal. With terminals ready, dredging underway and routes being finalised to preserve local heritage, the Kadamakkudy extension stands poised to become one of the most distinctive segments of the Kochi Water Metro network.}