First phase of the Kochi Water Metro project may take longer than the original December target

It is anticipated that the first phase of the Kochi Water Metro project may take longer than the original December target to activate the full fleet of 23 electric-hybrid, 100-passenger boats. This is allegedly because global component procurement has taken longer than projected. What Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) said a "slow pace of work by a contracting firm" has caused an abnormal delay in the construction of 38 terminals in the mainland and 10 isles where the ferries were scheduled to dock. Furthermore, concerning purportedly lower-quality components for the crucial Fort Kochi terminal, a subcontractor was the target of a police complaint recently lodged by a contracting company.

One million commuters have ridden on the 12 boats that are currently running on three routes since the project's April inauguration. 

Twelve of the twenty-three ferries that the Cochin Shipyard was scheduled to deliver to KWML have already been delivered, according to a senior official there, and three more ferries are prepared for delivery. 

The epidemic, according to sources at the yard, interfered with efforts to import parts for the ferries—which are thought to be the first of their type to run in Asia under a single command and control system—from overseas.

Aside from the Vyttila-Kakkanad corridor, KWML has been running the 12 ferries from High Court to Vypeen and Bolgatty Island. By November, the operation from the High Court terminal will be extended to South Chitoor, Cheranalloor, and Eloor, where the terminals are prepared, thanks to the upcoming arrival of three boats. According to agency sources, they can be operationalized as soon as the floating pontoons—which enable passengers to board boats safely regardless of high or low tide—are prepared.

Eight other terminals, the most important ones being at Fort Kochi, Mulavukad North, Willingdon Island, Kumbalam, Kadamakudy, and Paliamthuruth, are being built at various levels. In order for the Fort Kochi terminal to be operational by December as planned, the contracting firm has been instructed to expedite construction on the project.

A package to construct about fifteen terminals will soon be put up to bid. Meanwhile, local businesses, tourist stakeholders, and others have been anxiously awaiting the construction of the Water Metro terminal, which has been sought by the Mattancherry Water Metro Action Council.