Kochi Water Metro stands as a global model in sustainable transport development, focusing on Universal Access, Safety, Efficiency, and the GREEN transition, setting a benchmark for the world, highlights Sajan P John, Chief Operating Officer of Kochi Water Metro Ltd in an exclusive interview with Nisha Samant of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:

As the Chief Operating Officer of Kochi Water Metro Ltd, could you provide an overview of the key objectives and goals of the organisation in improving water- based transportation in Kochi?

The main objective of the Kochi Water Metro system is to improve the connectivity of the island agglomeration and thereby improve their access to livelihood resulting in better living standards. The vast majority of islanders depend on the mainland for their day to day life. The congested road network offers poor connectivity in terms of commuting time, comfort and safety. The pollution levels are in a steady rise contributed mainly by the traffic. Immediate Goals for water metro is a change in the above aspects.

Water Metro is built on four pillars of Universal Access, Safety, Efficiency and GREEN transition and it became a benchmark on these primary aspects of sustainable transport development in the country and a model for the entire world.

What unique challenges and opportunities are associated with operating a water metro system, and how does Kochi Water Metro Ltd address them?

Rejuvenating the water transport system and bringing back the lost glory of Water Transport is no mean task. A modal shift in commuter behaviour from the comfort of private vehicles and winning them back to Public transport system is a big challenge. This was possible only by offering them similar or more comfort, convenience and advantages of lesser commuting time etc. This is Water Metro’s greatest contribution on this front. It adapted itself to be part of an integrated transport system, bringing in a comprehensive solution for the urban transport sphere. Every jetty is located as close as possible, to a bus stand or a metro station. Vytila hub has become the only one of its kind in India, where a Metro, Water Metro and a major bus station converges into a single hub, with a future prospects of a railway station to be built in near proximity. Two other metro stations are in close proximity of 800 to 900 m connected with electric autos and feeder services. Every Water Metro terminal has bicycles on rent on a modern network system.

Water Metro systems offer advantage in commuting time even over a parallel road in peak hours to great extent and reliability factor build confidence in the commuter’s mind, channelizing a shift in commuter preferences.

Capacity building to address operation of an advanced Boat system is another task Water Metro successfully undertook. Bringing Safety and Security to the forefront, Water Metro became a change maker in the water transport arena. Designing a disabled and elderly friendly water transport system was another big challenge as available technology was limited in the country. About 13% of the population vastly benefits from this, while the rest of the population also benefit by way of convenient and comfortable commute.

Addressing the pollution in back waters is another task Water Metro wants to take up. Moving to electric and setting a standard now could very well address oil pollution in the environmentally vulnerable area. As the technology matures, policies could very well be framed to bring strict control, without limiting the transportation activities.

Could you elaborate on the significance of the Kochi Water Metro project in the context of transforming urban transportation and alleviating congestion in the city?

Water transport is universally accepted as the most climate-friendly transport system. By introducing the novel concept of Electric Mobility to water, the Kochi Water Metro made a pioneering effort in sustainable water transport, which very few in the world have ventured into. Standardising the systems, despite their much larger capacity, is also being pursued. The Kochi Water Metro presently has the largest fleet of electric boats anywhere in the world. This is a replicable model in any urban city with navigable water. More than 40 cities in India can adopt similar systems on different scales.

Cities like Kochi have the peculiar advantage of surrounding water channels reaching out to many of the city’s suburbs. This could, to a large extent, reduce congestion on roads that are severely congested with little room for widening or improvement. As an alternative transport system, water transport is both economical and sustainable.

What steps has your organisation taken to ensure that the Water Metro service is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable?

Water Metro boats use a catamaran- type construction with highly efficient hulls. In fact, MARIN, Netherlands, where the model test and hull optimization were conducted, is of the opinion that these are among the most efficient hulls ever made. This naturally translates into energy efficiency, which is a direct contribution to the environment.

Minimum wake wash was a criterion that was built into the design, and the boats are extremely efficient at creating the fewest waves even at their full service speed of 8 knots. The flora and fauna are not disturbed, and the banks of narrow channels are protected from erosion.

The terminals are also built with a GREEN concept, maximising the use of natural lighting and ventilation. The rooftops of terminals and pontoons will be fitted with solar panels that will power the terminals. A land-based solar farm is planned for the energy needs of the entire operation.

Could you share insights into the use of renewable energy sources for powering the Water Metro fleet and how this contributes to eco-conscious transportation in Kochi?

Though the boats are of hybrid construction, the entire boat’s operation is in electric mode except in situations of safety concern. Water Metro has a target of sourcing 100% of its electric energy needs from renewables by the end of 2024, using rooftop and land-based solar PV installations. Electric Mobility with renewable sources has the lowest GHG emissions and CO2 emissions among all the options for energy sources in mobility, and this is precisely where the Water Metro has set its target.

By and large, people are aware that climate change is a reality, and we need to take steps now to save the planet Earth, rather than viewing it as a problem for future generations. Recent devastating floods in the state of Kerala have changed the thinking of people at large. It is evident from the reactions and acceptance of the Water Metro that the public is becoming increasingly eco-conscious and celebrates the importance of such initiatives. Winning a series of awards and accolades, along with acceptance in the transport sector, is evidence of the importance of transformation that is badly needed in the sector.

How does Kochi Water Metro Ltd envision the future of water- based transportation in Kochi, and what key projects or innovations are on the horizon to further improve the city’s transport infrastructure?

Water Metro considers that there is a bright future for water transport in the city of Kochi as part of an integrated system. London-based luxury travel magazine Conde Nast recently rated the City of Kochi as one of the best places to visit in Asia in 2024. The evaluation was based on the introduction of the first-of-its-kind Water Metro—a socially inclusive transport option connecting 10 islands. Kerala is ranking high in responsible tourism, mainly due to initiatives like Water Metro, and this contributes to the economy as well.

Also Read | Kochi Water Metro: an incredible success story of transformation in transport sector

According to initial estimates, by 2035, over one lakh daily ridership can be achieved on the Water Metro, three times higher than the initially expected ridership. This is also based on the assumption that Water Metro will kick-start transport-oriented development and provide a major boost to tourism on the islands. The islanders would be the direct beneficiaries of sustainable development.

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