Latest news with #WaterMetro
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Erect waiting shed at Fort Kochi Ro-Ro jetty within a week, Kerala HC directs Kochi corporation
Kochi: High court has directed the Kochi corporation secretary to erect a temporary waiting shed at the Fort Kochi Ro-Ro Jetty, capable of accommodating at least 50 commuters at a time, at the corporation's expense, within a week. Additionally, the bench of Justice C S Dias instructed Kochi Water Metro Ltd to explore the possibility of providing temporary shelters at both the Fort Kochi and Vypin Water Metro jetties, especially to offer protection to commuters during the monsoon season. The court was hearing a petition concerning the Fort Kochi-Vypin Ro-Ro ferry service. The petition was filed by Nancy Xavier, who sought interim relief directing the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation and Kochi corporation to construct a waiting room at the Fort Kochi Ro-Ro Jetty. She submitted that hundreds of passengers rely on the Ro-Ro ferry service daily, and despite five years having passed since the commencement of services and multiple undertakings by the corporation, no waiting facility had been provided. In response, Kochi corporation informed HC that an estimate of Rs 6.70 lakh had been prepared for constructing a waiting shed, which was awaiting administrative approval. They added that even a temporary shed requires permission from the statutory authority under the Art & Heritage Regulations, framed under the CRZ norms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Trading con IA en Chile ayuda a usuarios a obtener ganancias potenciales! Mainhubfb Más información Undo The corporation's counsel also pointed out that the Kochi Water Metro has constructed a ticket counter with seating, located adjacent to the Ro-Ro Jetty, which passengers may use. However, HC observed that Kochi corporation cannot shirk its statutory obligations or shift responsibility to the Water Metro authorities, especially since there is no privity of contract between Water Metro and Ro-Ro passengers. The bench also criticised the corporation for failing to provide shelter for commuters who are exposed to the vagaries of nature. The court further directed the petitioner to implead the Coastal Regulation Zone Authority as a party in the proceedings and adjourned the matter to June 10.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Kochi Water Metro mishap sparks fresh safety audit demands
Kochi: Commuters on a Kochi Water Metro boat had a narrow escape on Saturday morning when the vessel lost control and collided with a stationary Ro-Ro boat at Vypeen jetty. The incident occurred around 10.30am as the Water Metro boat was attempting to dock at the Vypeen terminal, which is located adjacent to the Ro-Ro jetty. Although no passengers were injured, the collision has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of water transport operations in the area. According to Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML), the boat had been operating on its regular route from the High Court terminal to Vypeen. As it approached the jetty, a strong undercurrent caused the vessel to drift backward and lightly hit the anchored Ro-Ro boat. "Neither vessel suffered major damage, and there was no inconvenience to passengers. With the help of another boat, the passengers disembarked at the jetty. Service was temporarily suspended until the current's strength decreased, after which the operations resumed," stated a press note issued by KWML regarding the incident. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which oversees KWML, has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. KWML CEO Sajan P John said the preliminary probe points to an unusually strong undercurrent during low tide as the reason for the mishap. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "Boat operators rely on visible signs on the water surface and scientific tidal data from our control centres to assess such risks. The driver involved was a trained and experienced operator," he said. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area. In Nov 2023, two Water Metro boats slightly grazed each other while slowing down near the same location, causing the emergency exit on one of the boats to open automatically and triggering alarms that led to panic among commuters. Though no injuries were reported, the incident raised similar safety concerns. The area has a history of maritime accidents. In 2015, a major collision between a fishing boat and a passenger ferry claimed 11 lives near Vypeen. Several civic groups, including the Kochi Metro Passengers Association, have demanded a safety audit. "Three different jetties—SWTD, Water Metro, and Ro-Ro—operate adjacent to each other at Vypeen, increasing the risk of accidents during berthing," said association member Ebencer Chullikkadu. Launched in April 2023, the Kochi Water Metro is India's first integrated water transport project and recently won a national award for the 'Best Green Transport Initiative'.
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Water Metro In Mumbai, Other Places Soon? What Head Of Kochi Project Said
New Delhi: The Water Metro in Kochi has been successful and the Centre is now planning to start the ferry transportation system in 21 other places, the project's Managing Director Loknath Behera has said. Speaking exclusively to NDTV on Thursday, Mr Behera said the places where the system is likely to be introduced include Goa, Ahmedabad, Srinagar, Lakshadweep and Guwahati, and a feasibility study in Mumbai has already been completed. Mr Behera, who is the Managing Director of Kochi Water Metro, said the system is cheaper and more sustainable than other means of transportation. "It also causes very little pollution and is much cheaper than Metro rail projects. Kochi Metro has 20 electric boats as of now, and our target is to increase the fleet to 78. Building the boats takes some time and they are being manufactured by the Cochin Shipyard," he said. "The Union Shipping ministry wants to start Water Metro projects, on the lines of the Metro Railway, at 21 places in the country. We have completed the feasibility study in Mumbai and similar studies are being undertaken in the other places, including Goa, Ahmedabad and Guwahati," he added. The Kochi Water Metro began operations in April 2023 and has ferried over 40 lakh people in two years. "Our boats are always full. People are enjoying using them... Launching the service in other places will have its challenges, but that is what the feasibility study is for. The state governments will also have to be involved. You may see Kochi-like Water Metro services in other places in three to four years," he said.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre to invest additional ₹1,000 cr for inland waterways in northeast by 2026, ET Infra
Advt Advt New Delhi: The government is developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the northeast with projects worth ₹1,000 crore on the anvil, targeted for completion by 2026, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said on the last two years, more than ₹1,000 crore has been invested, with ₹300 crore worth of projects already completed."Following my review of ongoing works in the region, we are on track to complete the remaining ₹700 crore projects by the end of 2025," said the minister, while reviewing the ongoing projects in Assam and the northeast with senior minister underscored the need to complete the projects on time in line with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat."Northeast is the topmost priority for PM Narendra Modi ji, our work in the region must sync with the vision of Viksit Bharat," asserted Sonowal at the meeting."These efforts aim to boost cargo and passenger movement , improve last-mile connectivity, promote economic growth in the northeast, and align with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable and inclusive transport solutions," he Central government is actively developing key infrastructure projects along NW2 (Brahmaputra) and NW16 (Barak), including the construction of passenger vessels of various capacities, terminal facilities, and capacity-building also reviewed progress on the proposed Inland Water Transport (IWT) project at Doyang Lake, and assessed the potential of Noune and Shilloi Lakes in Nagaland for water sports and studies for IWT development on the Tiawng and Chhimtuipui rivers in Mizoram, as well as on Umiam Lake and the Ummgot River (NW106) in Meghalaya, were also reviewed."Since 2014, the Modi government has revived this once-neglected mode of transport, especially through the Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16) rivers. Schemes like Jalvahak are encouraging businesses to adopt this economical, efficient, and eco-friendly mode, reducing pressure on road and rail, and positioning Assam as a key driver in India's journey towards a self-reliant economy by 2047," said the also noted progress on the proposed Water Metro services in Guwahati and Dhubri, with a ₹315 crore investment and two electric catamarans being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd.-IANSna/
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mangaluru soon to get water metro system; second in India after Kerala
On April 23, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approved the Mangaluru Water Metro project, marking a major step toward improving inland water transport in the state. This project will link Bajal and Maravoor via water routes across the Netravati and Gurupura rivers, providing a much-needed alternative to road travel. With this, Karnataka will become the second state in India, after Kerala, to have such an extensive water-based transit system. The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has been directed to swiftly prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the Mangaluru Water Metro. Once completed, the system is expected to ease traffic congestion on key city roads while offering a sustainable and efficient commuting option. The metro will play a crucial role in connecting both sides of the rivers, especially benefiting emerging residential areas and communities that have been historically underserved by public transport. Designed as an inclusive and environmentally friendly mobility solution, the water metro is seen as a game-changer for urban transit in the coastal city. The project is part of a broader vision to create an equitable and accessible transportation network while promoting cleaner alternatives to traditional commuting methods. In support of this initiative, the state government has also approved the creation of a dedicated water transport training centre in Mangaluru. This facility will focus on building local expertise, enhancing workforce readiness, and ensuring long-term success of the water metro. It will also open up new opportunities for employment and skill development in line with India's blue economy strategy. During the same meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada to conduct a drone-based survey of islands selected for future development. A comprehensive report is expected within three months, indicating the government's urgency in pushing forward with its coastal development plans. Additionally, the Chief Minister unveiled the Karnataka Inland Transport Policy 2024, a strategic document aimed at guiding the future of inland and water-based transport across the state. Joined by Minister for Fisheries and Ports Mankal Vaidya, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of modern, sustainable infrastructure for long-term growth and regional connectivity. Together, these efforts represent a bold move by Karnataka to modernise its transport network and tap into the potential of its waterways for economic and social development.
