The services of the Kochi Water Metro ferries are expected to be extended to Kadamakudy, a popular tourist attraction in the district, by Onam.

A floating pontoon for berthing ferries is ready at the Kadamakudy terminal, while the final works on the much-awaited terminal are nearing completion. The electric charging infrastructure will be ready in 10 days. “We are currently awaiting the relocation of the many Chinese fishing nets along the route, which obstruct the smooth movement of ferries to the terminal. This may take up to two months and has to be initiated by the Fisheries department. Simultaneously, dredging of the terminal premises will be carried out to ensure adequate depth for the vessels,” said Sajan John, chief operating officer, Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML).

KWML is awaiting the delivery of three more ferries from Cochin Shipyard to extend operations to Kadamakudy. The Kadamakudy extension will be followed by the extension of ferry services from the High Court terminal to Edakochi via Mattancherry, and subsequently by the commencement of operations from the Ernakulam terminal planned next to the State Water Transport department’s Ernakulam Boat Jetty. The tendering process for the terminal is under way, sources said.

Metro-airport link

KWML is awaiting the State government’s nod to operate ferries in the Aluva Metro station-international airport corridor through the Periyar. “The distance can be covered in around 15 minutes if Water Metro ferries are allowed to operate at a speed of 20 knots (36 kmph). The Metro station and the terminal can be linked directly if an approximately 70-metre-long skywalk is built,” sources said.

Meanwhile, Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Loknath Behera said a private engineering college had been tasked with conducting a study regarding the proposal. “The results are expected in a month’s time. A study on the technical aspects of the airport extension would follow suit,” he added.