Kochi Water Metro Plans Major Fleet Expansion

23 Jan 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Real Estate

28 Feb 2026

Casagrand Launches Keystone In Tiruppur

Casagrand has launched Casagrand Keystone, a gated residential development at Rakkiyapalayam, off Avinashi Road, in Tiruppur. Spread across 2.2 acres, the B+G+5 structure comprises 142 units of 2 and 3 BHK homes, supported by 48 indoor and outdoor amenities. The project is introduced at a starting price of Rs 5,199 per sq. ft. The development allocates 1.3 acres to open space, including a central park of about 24,500 sq. ft. A 6,800 sq. ft. clubhouse includes a multipurpose hall, mini theatre and indoor recreation facilities. Other amenities include a 5,100 sq. ft. swimming pool, poolside par..

Real Estate

28 Feb 2026

Premium homes account for half of India’s housing sales in 2025

Knight Frank India, in its latest report on India’s office and residential property market, has highlighted a significant shift in housing demand, with homes priced above Rs 10 million accounting for 50 per cent of total residential sales across the top eight cities in 2025. The findings underscore the growing dominance of premium housing in the country’s real estate landscape.Out of 348,247 residential units sold during the year, approximately 175,091 units were in the Rs 10 million-plus category, marking a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. The data reflects changing buyer preferences, w..

Infrastructure Energy

28 Feb 2026

Xbattery launches XB-5K energy storage system for homes, offices

Xbattery, a Hyderabad-based deep-tech company specialising in next-generation energy storage and battery management technologies, has introduced its flagship XB-5K, a scalable 5kWh energy storage system designed for homes and offices in India.The XB-5K is built on the company’s indigenously developed BharatBMS platform, described as India’s first universal high-voltage battery management system architecture aimed at reducing import dependence and improving after-sales service capabilities. The launch comes as India seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and address reliance on imported..