Kochi-style water metro recommended in Kollam and Alappuzha: Routes

Love riding the Kochi Water Metro? If all goes well, Kollam and Alappuzha will also get similar services in a while. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited has submitted a feasibility study report, recommending the launch of water metro services in Kollam and Alappuzha districts. The Inland Waterways Authority of India had sought feasibility studies for water metro in Kollam and Alappuzha as part of their project to start such services in 18 cities across the country. These reports have to be approved before conducting in–depth studies. 

The study has reportedly recommended eight routes in Alappuzha and three in Kollam. As the initial feasibility report has been submitted, the detailed planning for the project will soon begin. More details about the project will be explained in this report. Meanwhile, the study was conducted based on the current waterways of National Waterway 68 in Alappuzha. 

The report apparently recommends 15 terminals in Alappuzha. The project is envisaged at a whopping budget of Rs 1400 crore, and the water metro routes, totalling 87.77 kilometres, would be completed in three stages. Hybrid boats that run on electricity and diesel and can accommodate up to 100 passengers would be arranged for the services. 61 such boats would reportedly be in the fleet here. 

Meanwhile, there will be 15 terminals in three routes in Kollam. The project estimates a budget of Rs 980 crore, with waterways sprawling across 34.85 kilometres. 35 boats will be used for the services here. The boats will operate via the national waterways, rivers and lakes. Like the Kochi water metro, these too aim to lure tourists and domestic passengers.   

Recommended routes
Kollam district
•Kollam KSRTC – Ashramam Park – Kureepuzha – Kavanad – Sambranikodi – Pulimoottil Kadavu – Ashtamudi – Koyivila
•Koyivila – Perungalam – Arinelloor 
•Koyivila – Munroe Island – Peruman – Padappakara – Kundara Technopark

Alappuzha district 
•Alappuzha KSRTC – Punnamada – Kainakary – Nattakam
•KSRTC – Punnamada – Muhamma
•Pathiramanal – Kumarakam – Cheerpunkal – Thannermukkam Bund
•Meenappally Lake – Chenankari – Mankombu
•Kidangara – Kavalam
•Mankombu – Pulinkunnu – Kidangara
•Muhamma – Pathiramanal – Kumarakam
•Alappuzha KSRTC – Meenappally Lake Tourist Terminal