Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday announced that the Kochi Water Metro has drawn global attention, with several countries expressing interest in replicating the state’s innovative water-based public transport model. Speaking after inaugurating two new Water Metro terminals at Mattancherry and Willingdon Island, built at a total cost of Rs 380 million, Vijayan said that many Indian states have also approached Kerala to explore adopting the model for their own urban transit systems. The Water Metro, launched in 2023, has seen remarkable success, with ridership nearing five million in just two years — comprising both daily commuters and tourists. Vijayan described the Water Metro as a transformative step in strengthening Kochi’s urban infrastructure, further enhancing its status as the commercial capital of Kerala. “It has become a source of pride for Malayalis everywhere,” he said. The Chief Minister highlighted that the network has connected several small inhabited islands around Kochi to the mainland, while also reducing road congestion within the city. He added that the initiative exemplifies Kerala’s growing leadership across multiple sectors. “The Water Metro is just one of the many areas in which Kerala has emerged as a national pioneer,” Vijayan said, noting the state’s continued achievements in healthcare, education, and social welfare. He emphasised that the government is committed to developing both core infrastructure and welfare systems, urging citizens to contribute collectively to the state’s sustained progress. After the inauguration, Vijayan travelled on the Water Metro from Mattancherry to Willingdon Island, marking the ceremonial launch of the new terminals. With the addition of these two facilities, the Kochi Water Metro now operates 12 terminals in total, according to Kochi Water Metro Ltd. Both new stations were constructed entirely on water, designed to preserve the heritage and natural ecosystem of the region by avoiding damage to existing trees and greenery.