Kochi: Less than three years after its launch, the Kochi Water Metro has clocked over 24 million passenger kilometres and provided relief to commuters while also drawing tourists in large numbers. Building on this experience, Kochi Water Metro Limited (KMRL) has submitted a feasibility report for a similar system on the River Jhelum and Dal Lake in Srinagar city.
Kochi Water Metro, COO, Sajan John, said the feasibility report for Srinagar was prepared after two visits to the Kashmir Valley last year.
“It is quite possible to introduce a water metro service in Srinagar. The proposal has been designed to cater to both daily commuters and tourists,” he said.
Kochi, the financial capital of Kerala, is an island agglomeration where water transport has traditionally connected islands to the mainland. Areas ranging from Vypin—among the most densely populated islands in India—to smaller islands with limited populations depend on the mainland for healthcare, education, employment, trade, and livelihoods.
With congested roads and average traffic speeds often below 20 kmph, the Water Metro was planned to improve connectivity for island residents and encourage a shift toward public transport. Officials said the system works alongside existing transport networks.
Loknath Behera, Managing Director, KMRL, said the Kochi Water Metro has demonstrated how structured water transport can support urban mobility and tourism. He said the experience gained in Kochi could be useful while planning a comparable service in Srinagar.
Shaji Janardanan, Chief General Manager, KMRL, said 20 boats are currently in operation in Kochi, and the Government of India has assigned KMRL the task of conducting feasibility studies in around 40 cities.
“For Srinagar, we have submitted the feasibility report. The next step would be the preparation of a Detailed Project Report,” he said, adding that the Kochi Water Metro is operated by the government.
Dr. M P Ram Navas, Director (Projects), KMRL, said the Srinagar report focused on technical feasibility. “Boat sizes cannot be very large. The report addresses technical aspects carefully to ensure operational viability,” he said.
He further said the project should ideally be government-run, as it is intended to benefit the general public, noting that discussions with senior bureaucrats of J&K have generated a positive response.