Kochi Water Metro to Launch Mattancherry Route Ahead of Onam

Kochi:  In a major boost to public transport and tourism, Kochi Water Metro is set to launch services to the heritage-rich town of Mattancherry as part of its expansion strategy. The new route is expected to be inaugurated just in time for Onam, Kerala’s most celebrated festival.

Preparations are in full swing as a new boat is scheduled to be delivered from the Kochi Shipyard within the next few days. Once received, service to Mattancherry will commence immediately. The terminal construction at Mattancherry was completed earlier, and the floating jetty, electrification, and other supporting infrastructure have now been installed. Additionally, the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) gates for ticketing have been set up.

With this new service, the Water Metro network will expand to seven routes and ten terminals, improving connectivity across the backwaters of Kochi.

The newly added boat will also support proposed services from the High Court Terminal to both Mattancherry and Willingdon Island. Although the terminal construction at Willingdon Island is complete, the floating jetty installation is pending. Therefore, service to Mattancherry will be prioritised, according to Kochi Water Metro's Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Sajan P. John.

This development follows the successful launch of the Fort Kochi route and is expected to enhance not only daily commuting but also heritage and cultural tourism in and around Kochi. Currently, state-run water transport boats operate on this busy route, but the Water Metro promises a more modern and efficient alternative.

Although construction of the Mattancherry terminal began in 2019, delays due to contractor negligence prolonged the project. It was only after public protests led by MLA K.J. Maxi and the local Action Council — along with court intervention — that the project regained momentum. With direct involvement from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the construction was finally completed within a stipulated time-frame.

The Kochi Water Metro, fully owned by the Government of Kerala, is nearing two and a half years since its launch and is now to expand into more regions. With a keen focus on promoting local tourism, terminals are under construction at Mulavukad North, Kumbalam, Kadamakkudy, and Paliyamthuruthu.

Following the Mattancherry route, the next priority is to launch the service to Kadamakkudy. In parallel, feasibility studies are ongoing to evaluate a future route connecting Aluva to the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery.

Kochi Water Metro is a first-of-its-kind integrated water-based public transportation system in India. It blends modern infrastructure with the region’s natural waterways, offering a sustainable and scenic commuting experience for locals and tourists alike.