Kamal Ghorui
Kochi: Kochi Water Metro floats tender for the construction of Ernakulam terminal near SWTD boat jetty, which will serve as a hub for future expansion to southern and western regions like Kumbalam and Edakochi.“The Ernakulam terminal will serve as a vital link in the expansion of Water Metro network. We will start services to connect the western and southern parts once the terminal works are completed. However, all current services will continue to be operated from High Court terminal,” said Sajan P John, chief operating officer.
Earlier, the proposed Thevara terminal was considered the cornerstone of the Water Metro’s expansion strategy. It was also planned as a hub for a feeder service connecting Kadavanthra and South. However, the plan remains in limbo as KSRTC refuses to cede its mostly unused depot land to Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML). This has now prompted authorities to make Ernakulam terminal the future hub. The proposed terminal will be the biggest, along with High Court terminal. The modern terminal will feature floating pontoons, ensuring that the floor level of the boats remains flush with the jetty regardless of tidal shifts. It will also house extensive passenger waiting areas, ticker counters with AFC gates and commercial spaces for kiosks and cafes. The construction is slated for completion in 15 months from the date the work is awarded. “We have already floated the tender. The deadline for bid submission is March 21, and the bids will be finalised in another two months,” he added. KWML will also soon start construction of Edakochi, Thoppumpady and Varappuzha terminals. Kadamakkudy services only by June: Meanwhile, expansion of Water Metro into the scenic Kadamakkudy island cluster will be further delayed, with officials now targeting a June launch. “The election code of conduct will be in place soon, and we won’t want to hurry,” the official pointed out. While the terminal works are nearly completed, KWML is also facing a logistical bottleneck, with Cochin Shipyard Ltd yet to deliver the final three of the 23 vessels ordered. Additionally, the route must have a ‘detour’ via Vypeen or Vallarpadam to protect nearly 40 traditional Chinese fishing nets along the direct Pizhala-Kadamakkudy stretch. KMRL plans to launch Kadamakuddy as a demand-based tourist service initially, rather than a high-frequency commuter corridor.
