Mattancherry water metro terminal to become reality in 12 mn

The long-anticipated Mattancherry Water Metro Terminal is finally set to become a reality, thanks to the intervention of the Kerala High Court. This intervention follows a petition filed by T K Ashraf, Councillor, Junaid Sulaiman, President of Jew Town Traders Association, and M C Praveen, Trustee of Paradesi Synagogue. In response, the court has issued a directive to Kochi Water Metro Limited, stipulating that the construction of the water metro terminal in Mattancherry must be completed within twelve months from the date of the judgment. Councillor Ashraf expressed frustration over the delay, citing the original promise made when the water metro project was announced ? that the Mattancherry terminal would be the first to be constructed. That was two years ago, he lamented. Despite the completion of all other terminals under the project known as 'the package of seven,' Mattancherry's terminal remained stagnant in development. Junaid Sulaiman also expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay, especially in comparison to the Fort Kochi terminal, which overcame hurdles, including a public interest litigation, to be built. During the court proceedings, the water metro's legal counsel explained that the original contractor had not initiated the work, leading to a new tender notification. The counsel assured the court that the tender for the terminal would be finalized within three months and the construction would be completed within nine months. The petitioners resorted to legal action after enduring substantial delays in the project's execution. With the court's intervention, the Mattancherry Water Metro Terminal is expected to become a significant addition to the region's transportation infrastructure, providing enhanced connectivity and convenience for the local community and tourists alike.