Kochi Water Metro is preparing to significantly expand its fleet as it extends services to the outskirts of Kochi, including a proposed route to the international airport at Nedumbassery. The expansion is aimed at strengthening connectivity, easing congestion and supporting tourism-led growth. The water metro currently operates a fleet of 20 boats.

According to officials, three additional vessels are currently under construction at Cochin Shipyard, with work progressing steadily. In addition, tenders will be reissued next month for 15 more boats after an earlier bidding process was cancelled due to high costs. For the remaining 40 vessels required to achieve the planned fleet size of 78 boats, the water metro is exploring a public–private partnership model.

Fleet augmentation is central to the water metro’s strategy to expand services to peripheral areas and introduce tourist routes to enhance revenue streams. New services to Kadamakkudy and Paliamthuruth, scheduled to begin this summer, are part of this broader expansion plan. Officials said the additional boats are also expected to ease pressure on high-demand corridors such as the High Court–Fort Kochi sector, which experienced heavy passenger volumes during the recent holiday season.

As part of preparations for the airport route, a hydrological study for the proposed Aluva–Nedumbassery corridor via the Periyar River is set to commence this week. The study will evaluate canal development requirements and assess potential impacts on water flow and surrounding areas. It is expected to be completed within three weeks, after which a feasibility report and a detailed project report will be prepared.

The proposed airport service will cover an eight-kilometre stretch from Aluva to Nedumbassery, with faster boats planned to ensure efficient travel times. Tests are also under way to examine the integration of the proposed Nedumbassery railway station into the water metro network. Officials said the airport route will be prioritised, with further expansions to other locations to follow based on demand and feasibility.

The planned fleet expansion and route additions highlight Kochi Water Metro’s dual focus on improving daily commuter services and enhancing tourism-oriented transport, positioning the system as a sustainable and scalable urban mobility solution for the region.