Kochi Water Metro loses six terminals in government order, draws criticism

The Kerala government's decision to reduce the Kochi Water Metro project from 38 to 33 terminals has drawn criticism from stakeholders concerned about connectivity. A Government Order dated September 28 dropped six terminals: Thevara, Aster, Amrita, Kothad, Cheriyamthuruth, and Mulavukad, while Nettoor was added to the list.

According to the GO issued by the Transport department, the reduction was based on a letter from the then managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited proposing to drop the terminals citing 'operational, navigational and project-related concerns, and land availability'. Specific reasons included non-availability of land at Thevara, inadequate channel width and depth at Aster due to Chinese fishing nets and low bridge clearance, project constraints at Amrita, boat manoeuvring issues at Kothad from a proposed bridge, and concerns at Cheriyamthuruth and Mulavukad.

Critics contend that eliminating at least two of these terminals will compromise water transport connectivity to areas far from Kochi city centre, particularly affecting ferry services to West Kochi locales like Edakochi and Palluruthy. The decision is seen as reducing the project's intended scope and accessibility for residents in peripheral zones.