Waterway to Wings: Connecting Kochi Airport by Water Metro

A feasibility study has been initiated to explore the potential for connecting Cochin International Airport (CIAL) to the city via a Water Metro service. If successful, the new route could provide travelers with a direct link from Aluva to the airport, offering an alternative to traditional road transport.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has formed a high-level committee to conduct the study, with a report expected within a month. The decision to consider the Aluva-Nedumbassery route was driven by public demand for extending Water Metro services to the city’s outskirts.

This initiative is part of the second phase of the Water Metro expansion and is seen as a priority project due to its potential to ease traffic congestion on the roads leading to the airport. Additionally, the service is expected to boost passenger traffic for both Kochi Metro and CIAL.

The proposed route would utilize existing waterways, including the Periyar River. The feasibility study will evaluate the best types of boats for the service, the necessary terminal infrastructure, and the connectivity options between the new Water Metro terminals, Aluva Metro station, and the airport. The distance between Aluva and the airport via the river is approximately eight kilometers.

Officials will also assess whether the service should be a direct, nonstop route or include intermediate stops.

The Kochi Water Metro, which began operations in April 2023, currently operates 15 routes connecting 38 terminals. With the addition of this new Water Metro route, along with ongoing plans for a Metro line and railway station, the airport is set to become one of the state’s most well-connected transportation hubs.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.