A Splash on the World Stage: Kochi Earns Global STA Honors

Although Kochi did not secure the top honour at the Sustainable Transport Awards (STA) 2026, its pioneering Water Metro has been recognised as a global benchmark, earning an “Honourable Mention” from the New York–based Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).

The STA 2026 award was won by Salvador, Brazil, for its large-scale expansion of electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, while Santiago, Chile, was also recognised for developing Latin America’s largest electric bus fleet. ITDP noted that the three cities collectively demonstrated how ambitious transport investments can reduce emissions, expand accessibility, and enhance urban quality of life.

Kochi was commended for innovation rather than scale, with ITDP highlighting the Water Metro’s success in reclaiming waterways as a daily public transport corridor—an approach that remains rare globally. The system connects 10 inhabited islands through a fleet of 78 electric-hybrid boats.

According to ITDP, the Water Metro has reduced commute times from nearly an hour by road to around 20 minutes by water, at roughly half the cost, while saving an estimated 184 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger-kilometre. The recognition reinforces Kochi’s position as a model for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.