Kerala CM, ministers travel on Water Metro as part of Nava Kerala Sadas

Vijayan said Kerala's proud water metro service has ferried over 12.5 lakh people within the first seven months of its operations.

ByPTI

Published Dec 09, 2023 | 12:58 PM Updated Dec 09, 2023 | 12:58 PM

Pinarayi Vijayan at the Nava Kerala Sadas

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues on Friday, 8 December undertook a journey on the Water Metro from the High Court terminal to Vypeen as part of the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas.

Most of the ministers, including the CM, were travelling in the Water Metro for the first time.

The cabinet took the Water Metro to take part in the Nava Kerala Sadas at the Vypeen constituency.

Kochi Water Metro vessel sailing through the city's waterways. (Twitter/CMO Kerala)

Kochi Water Metro vessel sailing through the city’s waterways. (Twitter/CMO Kerala)

Kerala Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) officials explained the functions and operations of the Water Metro project to the ministers.

In a statement, Vijayan said Kerala’s proud Water Metro service has ferried over 12.5 lakh people within the first seven months of its operations.

“We have put forward another Kerala model of alternative before the world through Water metro. The project, which has brought revolutionary changes in the public transportation system through the introduction of electric-hybrid boats, has been noted internationally,” Vijayan said.

He added services from the High Court terminal to Chittoor will begin soon and the preparations are in the final stage.

The other terminals are also being completed at a faster pace.

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Water metro

Currently, there are 12 air-conditioned electric-hybrid ferries that began operating in April on two routes.

The Left leader also pointed out that the integrated system of travel mode connecting with the metro rail project allows passengers to use the same KochiOne card.

“Water Metro will connect the islands in and around Kochi, increasing the possibility of tourism which will in turn improve the standard of living of the people,” Vijayan said.

The project is being implemented at a cost of ₹1,136.83 crore.

Addressing the massive gathering at Kalamassery, Vijayan said the financial policies of the union government were affecting the development of the state.

He said the aim of the Sadas was to bring out the financial constraints created by the Centre.

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(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)