After over a decade, regular passenger boat services are set to restart from island areas in the northern part of Kochi. The Kochi Water Metro (KWML) will be introducing hybrid-electric boats on traditional routes connecting south Chittoor, Mulavukad north, Cheranelloor and Eloor with the city centre. In the past, as many as 13 boat services operated between Varappuzha and Ernakulam. But 12 stopped service by 2007 and now only one traditional boat operates, mainly catering to students. The introduction of water metro services on these routes is expected to play a crucial role in the growth of the transport sector in the city, as several areas in the northern region still face connectivity issues due to lack of proper roads. It is expected that these boats will benefit both locals and tourists