Sustainable, climate-resilient urban mobility showcased to J&K media delegation

Srinagar, Feb 2: The media tour organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar to Kerala commenced Monday with a visit to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), where the press delegation was briefed on the Kochi Water Metro Project, a pioneering urban mobility initiative.

On the first day of the tour, the PIB Srinagar press delegation visited the office of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Kochi, to gain first-hand insights into the planning, implementation and operational framework of the Kochi Water Metro. The delegation interacted with senior officials of KMRL and Kochi Water Metro Project.

The media delegation met Shri Loknath Behera, Managing Director, KMRL, Dr. M.P. Ram Navas, Director (Projects), KMRL; Shri Shaji Janardanan, Chief General Manager, KMRL; Shri Sajan John, Chief Operating Officer, Kochi Water Metro and Shri K.K. Jayakumar, Head (PR & Social Media), KMRL.

Managing Director, KMRL, Shri Loknath Behera, described the Water Metro as a time-saving and integrated mobility concept, enabling seamless cross-platform ticketing between water and rail metro services. He emphasised that human interface, attention to detail, cleanliness, efficient ticketing systems and creation of a viable ecosystem are key to the success of any public transport system.

Shri Sajan John, COO, Kochi Water Metro, briefed the delegation on the objectives and vision of the Kochi Water Metro, highlighting its role as a climate-resilient, sustainable and inclusive transport system. He informed that the project provides a seamless transport option with universal and equitable access, improved safety standards and a shift towards green, low-polluting mobility solutions. He informed that the Water Metro is presently operating with 20 battery-operated boats and 12 terminals, providing connectivity and transport services to thousands of commuters from around 10 surrounding islands.

Operational aspects of the project were explained by Shri Shaji Janardanan, CGM, KMRL, who elaborated on terminal accessibility, safety measures including deployment of rescue boats, and the use of battery-operated vessels with dedicated charging docks, resulting in minimal carbon footprint.

The Kochi Water Metro was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on April 25, 2023. Officials informed that feasibility studies for similar water metro systems have been conducted in 15 cities across the country, including Srinagar, with Mumbai identified as the next potential location. The project, a Government of India initiative jointly implemented by the Government of Kerala and Kochi Metro, has received several national and international recognitions.

Ms. Shamila K Y Media & Communication Officer, PIB Kochi also accompanied the delegation during the visit. At the outset of the meeting, Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar and Conducting Officer of the tour, introduced the media delegation.

As part of the programme, the media delegation was provided a hands-on experience of the project through a ferry ride on the Kochi Water Metro, offering practical exposure to its operations and passenger facilities. (JKNS)