3 Years, 4 Million Rides: Kochi Water Metro Hits Major Milestone: Here’s What You Need to Know

The Kochi Water Metro has achieved a remarkable milestone, transporting 4 million passengers in two years. This innovative water transport system features 78 electric hybrid boats and connects Kochi's mainland to ten nearby islands. Operating from 7 AM to 8 PM, the metro currently runs through nine terminals.
Kochi Water Metro to start ferries from Mattancherry. (AI-generated representational image)

Kochi Water Metro. (AI-generated representational image)

In a recent significant milestone, the Kochi Water Metro has transported 4 million commuters in the Greater Kochi area over the past two years. As the country’s first water metro network, operating with 78 fast, battery-powered electric hybrid boats, it aims to improve connectivity between Kochi’s mainland and its 10 surrounding islands.
Stepping into its third year, the Kochi Water Metro is gearing up to expand its operations not just within Kerala but also to other parts of India. The Union government is also exploring the possibility of replicating the Water Metro model in 21 locations across the country, according to a release from KMRL.
The project has already earned major recognition, winning the Gussies Electric Boat Award in 2022 under the commercial ferry category, and the Skoch Award for excellence in public service in the transport sector.
KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera said the Water Metro system is expected to offer a sustainable and affordable public transport option while easing traffic congestion on the roads.
With the system expanding, here’s what you need to know about its timings, fares, and route plans.
Fares:
A single journey costs Rs 40. For daily users, a weekly pass is available for Rs 180, offering 12 trips. A monthly pass costs Rs 600 and allows up to 50 trips, while a quarterly pass is priced at Rs 1500 and covers 150 trips.
Timings/Frequency:
The operating hours of KWM are 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Similarly, each ferry covers different routes in 10 to 20 minutes during peak hours.
Total Terminals:
The metro currently operates through 9 terminals, including Vyttila, High Court, Vypin, Kakkanad, Bolgatty, Fort Kochi, Mulavukad, South Chittoor and the Cher.
Route Plan Overview:
The interactive map on the official Kochi Water Metro website provides a visual representation of the different terminals, routes, and operational lines. Users can explore various routes and terminals to plan their journeys effectively:
As of April 2025, the following routes are operational, in contrast to the planned 15 as part of this project:
Vyttila ↔ Infopark: This was the inaugural route under the Kochi Water Metro system, launched on February 15, 2021.
Vypin ↔ High Court: It commenced operations on April 26, 2023.
Vyttila ↔ Kakkanad: This route started their services on April 27, 2023.
High Court ↔ South Chittoor: Inaugurated on March 14, 2024, it passes through Bolgatty and Mulavukad North.
South Chittoor ↔ Cheranalloor: Also launched on March 14, 2024, this route includes a stop at Eloor.
Eloor ↔ High Court: Initiated on April 7, 2025, this route offers four trips daily, two in the morning
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Shahin N
Shahin N author

A master's student specializing in International Relations and Area Studies at MMAJ, Jamia Millia Islamia University with a strong academic foundation...View More

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