Kochi Metro Rail Limited team visits Water Metro sites

KOCHI: Informally launching the Rs.747 crore integrated water transport project for great Kochi region called 'Water Metro', the Kochi Metro Rail Limited authorities started visiting the proposed project areas on Monday. The team headed by KMRL MD Elias George visited areas in Kadamakkudy and Cheranalloor panchayats.

The officials inspected Korankotta, Pizhala, Chennur, Kothad and South Chittoor and reviewed the road connectivity in these areas. KMRL MD had discussions with Kadamakkudy Panchayath president Shalini Babu and Cheranalloor Panchayath president Sony Chikku along with other civic body members and officials. The visit will continue in the coming days.

"We are keen on implementing the project with the active involvement of local bodies as well as local communities. KMRL will finetune the project based on the feedback received from local communities," said Elias George. "There are issues in the availability of land for construction of jetties and we have to also address the concerns of the local fisherfolk and issues related to the owners of areas proposed for jetty construction.  We are planning to address all concerns of stakeholders and other people who are dependent on waterways for their livelihood", added the KMRL MD.

The Water Metro project will be formally inaugurated soon by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Areas in 6 panchayats, 4 municipalities and the City Corporation will come under the project which envisages development of 16 identified routes, connecting 38 jetties across 10 islands and spanning around 76 kilometers. "There are high expectations from the project which has the potential to transform not only the lives of the islanders, but also to upgrade Kochi into a major tourism destination in Asia," he added.qa