The Coastal Development Authority (CDA) has studied the Kochi Water Metro to assess its suitability for Karnataka's coastal belt, following a visit to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). The delegation was led by authority chairman M A Gafoor and included secretary Pradeep D'Souza and other officials. The team examined operational and technical aspects of the Kochi system, including the construction of floating jetties, vessel operations, shipbuilding yards and water-level management systems. Observations were oriented towards practical implementation in Karnataka.

The delegation noted that the Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, has been developed at a relatively low cost and was described as a viable public transport model. Cost estimates were recorded in the range of Rs 1 bn to Rs 2 bn, following conversion from crore to internationally comparable units. Officials considered that such capital requirements could make a water metro an affordable supplement to coastal transport in the state, provided suitable routes and infrastructure are identified. Further assessment of operating costs and integration with existing services was identified as necessary before recommendations are finalised.

Gafoor noted that the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada together contain 186 backwater stretches that could potentially be utilised for a water metro project. He recalled that an earlier report from KMRL had indicated, based on certain specifications, that the system might not extend beyond the Gurupura-Maravoor bridge. The authority plans to supply additional data points and identify alternative locations to reappraise feasibility and to address technical constraints highlighted by the earlier assessment. The delegation sought further technical guidance on route design and vessel specifications to inform the reappraisal.

A consolidated report will be submitted to the state government in a few days, after which the authority will await directions on funding support and next steps. Discussions were held with KMRL Managing Director Lokanath Behera on how backwaters in coastal regions could be integrated into water-based public transport networks. Officials signalled that further technical studies and stakeholder consultations would be needed before any rollout is proposed. The authority indicated that community engagement and environmental assessments would form part of subsequent planning stages.