Work on the Kadamakkudy Water Metro terminal is nearing completion, with operations expected to begin within the next three months, despite the earlier December deadline having passed, officials said.

Kochi Water Metro Limited chief operating officer Sajan P. John said construction at the Kadamakkudy terminal has entered its final stage. He added that similar progress has been made at the Paliyamthuruth terminal, which is also expected to become operational within the same timeframe.

Once commissioned, Water Metro services to Kadamakkudy, with an additional link to Pizhala, will be planned from the High Court terminal. Services to Paliyamthuruth will operate from either the High Court or Mattancherry terminals.

However, vessels are unlikely to operate directly along the Pizhala–Kadamakkudy stretch. Instead, services are expected to take a longer route via Vypeen or Vallarpadam to avoid disturbing around 40 traditional Chinese fishing nets located along the direct route. These nets are considered a major tourist attraction, and officials said a final decision on the detour alignment is yet to be taken.

In terms of fleet strength, KWML plans to utilise its existing boats initially, although officials acknowledged the need for additional vessels as services expand.

Historically, residents of Kadamakkudy and nearby islands such as Pizhala relied heavily on water transport. M. S. Antony, president of the Kadamakkudy grama panchayat, said that until about two decades ago, 10–12 private ferry boats operated in the region. As road connectivity improved, ferry services gradually disappeared, leaving gaps in mobility.

While road access now connects some larger islands, including Valiya Kadamakkudy, Chennur, Kothad and Korampadam, narrow roads continue to restrict vehicle movement. Antony said a seamless water transport network is essential to address these limitations.

Former panchayat president Mary Vincent N. G. echoed similar views, describing water transport as the most suitable mode of commute for a cluster of islands such as Kadamakkudy. She said the Water Metro would ease daily mobility challenges while also supporting the local economy and tourism.

Water Metro officials clarified that services on these routes will initially be geared more towards tourists than daily commuters. Frequencies are expected to be lower than on busy routes such as Fort Kochi or Kakkanad, with operations aligned to passenger demand.

Both local representatives said this phased approach is practical, noting that passenger volumes are likely to rise once additional terminals in the region become operational.

Other Water Metro terminals planned in the area include Mulavukad, Ponnarimangalam, Chennur, Kothad, Pizhala, Thundathumkadavu, Chariyamthuruth, Elamkunnapuzha and Moolampilly. Kadamakkudy, located about eight kilometres from central Kochi, comprises 14 islands spread across the Vembanad Lake and is known for its backwaters, paddy fields, fishing villages and birdlife.

Meanwhile, KWML officials said the tendering process for terminals at Thoppumpady, Edakochi and Ernakulam Jetty is under way, with further updates expected soon.