Kochi Canals Set for Major Transport and Tourism Upgrade

15 May 2025 CW Team

“I am delighted that the state government has cleared this transformative initiative,” said Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL. “This project will ease monsoon flooding, address long-standing waste management issues, and rejuvenate our canals with water transport, walkways, and water sports facilities.”

The plan includes deepening, widening, and beautifying six key canals—Perandoor, Chilavannur, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market Canal—each to be expanded to a minimum width of 16.5 metres. Lush green corridors and walkways will be created on either side, transforming them into lively public spaces.

KMRL will launch boat services along the Edappally and Chilavannur canals, with a new 11.5-kilometre waterway from Muttar to Chitrapuzha offering boats every 30 minutes. Ten new boats, designed with 3.5-metre bridge clearance, will ensure efficient navigation.

The project also aims to improve intermodal transport. The Vyttila–Thevara Water Metro corridor will link to Elamkulam Metro Station via the upgraded Chilavannur Canal, enabling seamless urban mobility.

A new waterfront promenade, modelled after Marine Drive, will be built along Chilavannur Canal. Featuring landscaped paths and water sports facilities, it is expected to become a major recreation spot.

To improve drainage and reduce flooding, a 90-metre bridge will be built on Bund Road, while the bridge on Subash Chandra Bose Road will be reconstructed. Additionally, the Kerala Water Authority will set up four sewage treatment plants at Elamkulam, Vennala, Perandoor, and Muttar, at a cost of Rs 13.25 billion.

These works, coordinated with KMRL, are part of a holistic strategy to improve quality of life, promote sustainable travel, and strengthen Kochi’s appeal as a modern, liveable city.

Kochi is poised for a major transformation as the Kerala government approves the Rs 37.16 billion Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System, which will revitalise the city’s historic canal network. The ambitious project, led by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), aims to combine urban renewal, sustainable transport, and tourism development.“I am delighted that the state government has cleared this transformative initiative,” said Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL. “This project will ease monsoon flooding, address long-standing waste management issues, and rejuvenate our canals with water transport, walkways, and water sports facilities.”The plan includes deepening, widening, and beautifying six key canals—Perandoor, Chilavannur, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market Canal—each to be expanded to a minimum width of 16.5 metres. Lush green corridors and walkways will be created on either side, transforming them into lively public spaces.KMRL will launch boat services along the Edappally and Chilavannur canals, with a new 11.5-kilometre waterway from Muttar to Chitrapuzha offering boats every 30 minutes. Ten new boats, designed with 3.5-metre bridge clearance, will ensure efficient navigation.The project also aims to improve intermodal transport. The Vyttila–Thevara Water Metro corridor will link to Elamkulam Metro Station via the upgraded Chilavannur Canal, enabling seamless urban mobility.A new waterfront promenade, modelled after Marine Drive, will be built along Chilavannur Canal. Featuring landscaped paths and water sports facilities, it is expected to become a major recreation spot.To improve drainage and reduce flooding, a 90-metre bridge will be built on Bund Road, while the bridge on Subash Chandra Bose Road will be reconstructed. Additionally, the Kerala Water Authority will set up four sewage treatment plants at Elamkulam, Vennala, Perandoor, and Muttar, at a cost of Rs 13.25 billion.These works, coordinated with KMRL, are part of a holistic strategy to improve quality of life, promote sustainable travel, and strengthen Kochi’s appeal as a modern, liveable city.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..