The Kochi Water Metro is set to commence ferry operations between the city and Mattancherry by mid-October, offering much-needed relief to commuters long troubled by traffic bottlenecks along narrow city roads and bridges.

The new route, extending from the High Court terminal, follows Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML)’s preparation to commission the long-awaited ferry terminals at Mattancherry and Willingdon Island, both key nodes in the city’s water transport network.

According to KWML Chief Operating Officer Sajan John, the Mattancherry terminal will feature floating pontoons capable of berthing three ferries at once, with provision for one vessel to remain berthed overnight—making it one of the largest Water Metro terminals. Parking facilities for private vehicles will also be available.

Initially, ferries will operate every 20 to 30 minutes, with frequency expected to increase during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale later this year. The new connection will significantly benefit tourists and traders who frequently visit Mattancherry’s heritage markets, a vital part of Kochi’s trading ecosystem.

To date, Cochin Shipyard has delivered 20 out of 23 electric-hybrid ferries ordered for the Water Metro fleet. These vessels currently service 10 terminals across Greater Kochi, marking a milestone in India’s first integrated urban water transport system.

The Mattancherry terminal project had faced delays due to re-tendering, prompting members of the Mattancherry Water Metro Action Council to appeal to the Chief Minister in 2023 for expedited completion. With construction now complete, services are on track to begin within weeks.

Meanwhile, ferry terminals at Kadamakudy and Paliyamthuruth are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025, further expanding the city’s water transport network.

In a related development, the West Kochi Passengers’ Association has written to the Chief Minister seeking improved ferry frequency under the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), particularly on the Kochi–Mattancherry–Fort Kochi corridor.

Despite the reopening of the Mattancherry terminal after dredging in February, only 11 daily services currently operate. The association’s secretary, S. Padmanabha Mallaya, has urged additional dredging and the deployment of at least three more ferries to cater to the rising commuter and tourist demand.

The upcoming Water Metro route, combined with potential SWTD service enhancements, is expected to transform West Kochi’s connectivity, offering a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable alternative to road travel while strengthening the region’s heritage and tourism appeal.