Kochi's Water Metro is garnering worldwide recognition, with numerous nations expressing a strong desire to emulate this innovative water transportation model, according to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Chief Minister made this statement on Saturday while inaugurating the newly completed Mattancherry and Willingdon Island terminals. These terminals, constructed at a cost of ₹38 crore, bring the total number of operational terminals to 12. The Mattancherry terminal, spanning 8,000 sq. ft. and located near the Dutch Palace, is designed to complement the area's cultural and architectural heritage. Similarly, the 3,000-sq. ft. Willingdon Island terminal reflects the region's maritime history.
Since its inauguration in 2023, the Water Metro has facilitated nearly half a crore passenger trips. This milestone underscores the project's positive impact on easing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity to Kochi's islands. The Water Metro is considered a source of pride for Malayalis and a significant stride in strengthening Kochi's infrastructure as the commercial capital of Kerala.
The water metro connects several small islands around Kochi to the city and has also eased vehicular traffic within the urban area. Out of a total of 14 islands in the Greater Kochi area, the Water Metro connects 10. Operating along 38 terminals, there are three sub-stations. The fleet of Metro boats operates on 15 different routes spanning 76 km of the sea. It is integrated with the Kochi Metro Rail and serves as a feeder service to the suburbs along the rivers, where transport accessibility is limited. The minimum ticket price of the metro system is Rs 20, and the maximum fare is Rs 40.
Designed along the lines of the Metro Rail, the Kochi Water Metro offers a convenient and eco-friendly transport system, and connectivity to the local people and tourists. The largest integrated water transport system of its kind in Asia, the Kochi Water Metro uses modern, air-conditioned, electric-hybrid boats and features accessible terminals and floating pontoons.
Several Indian states have also approached Kerala to explore the possibility of adopting the Water Metro model. The central government is also very keen on replicating India's first-of-its-kind sustainable transport system in different parts of the country, several states were even "more enthusiastic." For example, the transport minister of Goa visited last week, and he is now inviting to carry out a feasibility study for a similar project there. Countries such as Malaysia have also expressed interest in the project and have asked to send a team to do reconnaissance.
The success of Kochi Water Metro has triggered a feasibility study by India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to replicate similar projects in other navigable inland waterways in the country.
The Chief Minister traveled on the Water Metro from Mattancherry to Willingdon Island following the inauguration. The addition of these terminals is expected to significantly boost connectivity, commerce, business, and tourism in Mattancherry and Willingdon Island.
Loknath Behera, the managing director of the Water Metro, said that several states were keen to replicate the network, which has been hailed as a model for sustainable urban transport. According to a statement issued by KMRL, which manages the water metro system, in April, the union government is considering replicating the KWM in 21 additional locations across the country. The World Bank has also expressed interest in partnering with the Water Metro initiative.
The Kochi Water Metro has served over 5 million passengers as of September 22 2025.
