Water Metro Expansion to Chittoor, Cheranelloor Unlikely to Materialise

08 Jan 2025 CW Team

Increasing the frequency of Water Metro services connecting South Chittoor and Cheranelloor routes is unlikely any time soon, as Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) is prioritising other routes such as Mattancherry and Bolgatty.

Water Metro terminals were opened at South Chittoor, Mulavukad North, Cheranelloor and Eloor in March last year. Currently, Water Metro operates only four services between High Court and South Chittoor, with two services each in the morning and evening. Only five services are being operated connecting both Cheranelloor and Eloor terminals. The interval between these services is more than one-and-a-half hours.

KWML has 17 boats and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), makers of electric-hybrid boats for Water Metro, is expected to deliver two more to KWML soon. However, KWML is planning to open Mattancherry and Willingdon Island terminals in the coming weeks, with new services being launched connecting these terminals.

As KWML is struggling with insufficient number of boats, it is unlikely to increase the frequency of services connecting Chittoor and Cheranelloor routes. Water Metro services on these routes have received a poor response. "Untimely services, poor last-mile connectivity and a lack of boat services at regular intervals are cited as the main reasons for the low ridership on these routes. KWML should change the time schedule and increase the frequency," said Ebencer Chullikkad of Kochi Metro Passengers Association.

KWML offers discounts to daily commuters. While the ticket price is Rs 20-40, regular commuters can travel for up to Rs 10 using travel passes. While it costs Rs 18 to reach High Court by bus from South Chittoor, the public can travel the same distance for just Rs 10 with Water Metro travel passes.

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