Kochi Water Metro (KWM) is a ferry transport network that connects various parts of the Kochi region in Kerala.
Launched in 2023, it is the first water metro project in India. Once the project is completed, it will also become the largest integrated water transport network in Asia.
This water metro in Kerala currently has a total of 15 identified routes. Of these 15 routes, only 2 are operational now.
The total number of water metro stations/ terminals in service is 4. The construction of more terminals/ jetties and water metro routes is in progress.
Once completed, the project will have 15 operational routes, 38 terminals, and 78 boats. The total distance covered by the network will be 76.2 kilometers. It will also connect 10 islands in and around Kochi.
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the owner and operator of the Kochi Metro Rail network, also maintains and operates the water metro.
Do you want to know more about the water metro in Kochi? This post has everything you should know about it – details of Kochi Water Metro boats, current and proposed routes, a list of water metro terminals, and more.
This post also has information on Kochi Water Metro timings, ticket charges, frequency, travel passes, etc.
Additionally, you can find a step-by-step guide on how to book Kochi Water Metro tickets online through your mobile.
Read: Kochi Metro: Timing, Route Map and Charges
Summary
Kochi Water Metro Quick Info
| Name | Kochi Water Metro (KWM) |
| Type of transit | Ferry transport system |
| Launched on | April 25, 2023 |
| Services started on | April 26, 2023 |
| Operated and maintained by | Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) |
| Official website | https://watermetro.co.in/ |
| Official app | Kochi 1 |
| Number of proposed routes | 15 |
| Number of operational routes | 2 |
| Names of operational routes | High Court – Vypin and Vytilla – Kakkanad |
| Number of water metro stations/ terminals (proposed) | 38 |
| Number of operational water metro stations/ terminals | 4 |
| Frequency of service | Every 25 to 30 minutes |
| Charges | INR 20 – INR 30 per ride |
| Ride duration | 20 – 25 minutes |
| Total network length | 76.2 km |
| Timings | 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; all days of the week |
| Online ticket booking | Available through the Kochi 1 app |
| Ticket types | RFID card tickets, e-Tickets with QR code, weekly/monthly/quarterly passes, and Kochi 1 Card |
| Type of boats | Electric Hybrid |
| Boat capacity | 50 to 100 passengers |
| Contact number | +91 75111 65656 |
| Total fleet (once completed) | 78 boats |
| Date of completion of the entire water metro network | 2035 |
| Project cost | 1137 crores (approx.) |
| Special features | Floating pontoons/jetties that remain at the same level as boats during tides, automatic boat location system, passenger control system to prevent overcrowding of boats, and more. |
Read: Vande Bharat Express Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod Vande Bharat Train
Kochi Water Metro Route Map – Operational Routes
Currently, Kochi Water Metro has only two operational routes:
- High Court – Vypin
- Vytilla – Kakkanad
These two water metro routes are part of Phase 1 of the Kochi Water Metro project.
The route connecting High Court with Vypin was the first operational route in the network. It started services on 26th April 2023.
The Vytilla – Kakkanad water metro route became operational the next day, on 27th April 2023.
| Sl. No | Route Name | Operational Terminals/ Stations | Trip Duration | Start Date |
| 1 | High Court – Vypin | High CourtVypin | minutes | 26th April 2023 |
| 2 | Vytilla – Kakkanad | Vytilla Kakkanad | 25 minutes | 27th April 2023 |
Check out the Kochi Water Metro map for the 2 operational routes below:
Source: https://watermetro.co.in/
Kochi Water Metro Proposed Routes and Their Status
The water metro project in Kochi has proposed a total of 15 routes. These routes connect several localities in the Kochi region, including Fort Kochi, Kakkanad, Mattancherry, Bolgatty, South Chittoor, High Court, Ernakulam, Eda Kochi, Infopark, and more.
The work of many of these proposed routes is progressing. All these 15 routes will become operational by 2035.
Here is a complete list of Kochi Metro routes:
| Route Number | Route Description | Status |
| Route 1 | High Court – Vypin – Fort Kochi – High Court | The High Court – Vypin route is operational. |
| Route 2 | Vytilla – Eroor – Kakkanad – Info Park | The Vytilla – Kakkanad route is operational |
| Route 3 | High Court – Embarkation – Mattancherry | Planned |
| Route 4 | High Court – Bolgatty – Thanthonni Thuruth – Ponnarimangalam – Mulavukad Hospital – Mulavukad Panchayath – Mulavukad North – Korankotta – Vaduthala – South Chittoor – Moolampilly | Planned |
| Route 5 | Thevara – Ernakulam – Wellington Island – Mattancherry | Planned |
| Route 6 | Eda Kochi – Thoppumpady – Mattancherry | Planned |
| Route 7 | High Court – Ponnarimangalam – Vaduthala – South Chittoor | Planned |
| Route 8 | Eda Kochi – Kumbalam – Nettoor – Thykoodam – Vytilla | Planned |
| Route 9 | High Court – Elamkunnapuzha | Planned |
| Route 10 | Pizhala – Chennur – Kothad – Cheranalloor – Eloor – Varappuzha | Planned |
| Route 11 | Thevara – Kumbalam – Eda Kochi – Thevara | Planned |
| Route 12 | Moolampilly – South Chittoor – Pizhala – Paliyamthuruth – Kadamakkudy | Planned |
| Route 13 | Pizhala – Chariyamthuruthu – Thudanthumkadav | Planned |
| Route 14 | Elamkunnapuzha – Kadamakkudy – Paliyamthuruth – Mulavukad View Point – Elamkunnapuzha | Planned |
| Route 15 | Pizhala – Aster Medicity – Amrita Hospital | Planned |
Check out the Kochi Metro Map for the 15 proposed routes below:
Source: https://watermetro.co.in/
Kochi Water Metro Stations/ Terminals
The water metro project in Kochi currently has only 4 terminals in service. Check out the list of all operational Kochi Water Metro stations below:
| Sl. No. | Name of the terminal | Location | Nearest Metro Station |
| 1 | High Court | Map | MG Road (1.7 km) |
| 2 | Vypin | Map | NA |
| 3 | Vytilla | Map | Vyttilla Metro Station (300 m by walk) |
| 4 | Kakkanad | Map | NA |
The Kochi Water Metro project is constructing more terminals in the northern part of Kochi. The following stations will be operational soon:
| Eloor | End of 2023 |
| South Chittoor | End of 2023 |
| Cheranalloor | End of 2023 |
| Bolgatty | End of 2023 |
| Mulavukad North | End of 2023 |
| Fort Kochi | End of 2023 |
Kochi Water Metro Timings and Frequency
- Timings – 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; all days of the week
- Frequency – 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the route
- Ride duration – 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the route
Check out the table below with details of the first and last boats from each Kochi Water Metro station, boat frequency, ride duration, and more:
| Sl.No. | Terminal/ Station | First Service | Last Service | Frequency | Ride Duration |
| 1 | High Court | 8:00 am | 7:30 pm | Every 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Vypin | 8:25 am | 7:55 pm | Every 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Vytilla | 7:50 am | 6:50 pm | Every 30 minutes (No service from 12:25 pm to 2:35 pm) | 25 minutes |
| 4 | Kakkanad | 8:25 am | 7:25 pm | Every 30 minutes (No service from 11:50 am to 2:00 pm) | 25 minutes |
Check out the detailed Kochi Water Metro timetable. For changes in boat timings, check the water metro timetable displayed at metro stations.
Kochi Water Metro Charges and Tickets
Kochi Water Metro ticket charges range between INR 20 to INR 30 per ride, depending on the route. The table below has the fare details for High Court – Vypin and Vytilla-Kakkanad routes.
| Sl. No. | Route | Fare (per ride) |
| 1 | High Court to Vypin | INR 20 |
| 2 | Vytilla to Kakkanad | INR 30 |
Kochi Water Metro Ticket Types
The following types of tickets are available for passengers who wish to travel on Kochi Water Metro in Kerala:
- Single journey card tickets (RFID card tickets) issued at the ticket counters
- e-Tickets booked through the Kochi 1 app
- Kochi water metro passes
- Kochi 1 Travel Card
Let us see how to travel in Kochi Water Metro boats using each type of ticket:
Single Journey Card Tickets (RFID Card Tickets)
The Kochi Water Metro in Kerala doesn’t have paper tickets – instead, they issue paperless card tickets. These tickets, also called RFID card tickets, are for a single journey.
(Kochi Water Metro Image 3)
For example, to travel from High Court to Vypin, you can buy an onward journey ticket from the High Court water metro station. For the return journey from Vypin to High Court, you should buy another ticket from the Vypin water metro station.
You can buy these single journey card tickets from the ticket counters at the departing station and tap the card at the entry and exit gates to proceed with the trip.
These paperless card tickets are reusable. Once you have completed the trip, you must drop the card ticket in boxes placed near the exit gates.
e-Tickets with QR codes (Online tickets through the Kochi 1 app)
You can purchase Kochi Water Metro tickets online through the Kochi 1 app. Both (Android and iOS versions of the app are available.
To book tickets, you must download the app, create an account, and purchase tickets by choosing departing and arriving terminals. Upon successful payment, you will receive an eTicket with a QR code on your phone. You can board the boat by scanning the QR code at the entry/exit gates.
Kochi Water Metro Passes – Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly
Are you a regular passenger at KWM? If yes, you can get Kochi Water Metro passes instead of buying tickets for each trip. You can choose from weekly, monthly, or quarterly passes based on your travel requirement.
Check out the charges, validity, and details of Kochi Water Metro passes.
| Pass Type | Number of Trips | Fare (In INR) | Validity |
| Weekly | 12 | 180 | 7 days |
| Monthly | 50 | 600 | 30 days |
| Quarterly | 150 | 1500 | 90 days |
Kochi 1 Metro Card
Kochi 1 Card is a prepaid card issued by KMRL (Kochi Metro Rail Limited) and Axis Bank. You can use the card to travel in the water metro at a flat 20% discount. You can also use the card for Kochi Metro Rail, city bus rides, and more.
Kochi 1 Cards are available for purchase at water/rail metro ticket counters and select branches of Axis Bank. You must submit relevant documents (ID cards, passport-size photos, etc.) and pay an issuance fee of INR 150 to get the card.
You can manage the card and recharge it through the Kochi 1 app or at the support counters at the metro. Scan the card at the entry and exit gates to board the boat. The system will automatically deduct the fare from your card.
Learn more about the Kochi 1 card.
Kochi Water Metro Boats – Features and Amenities
Kochi Water Metro in Kerala uses battery-operated electric hybrid boats built by Kochin Shipyard Limited (KSL).
The total number of boats planned for the project is 78. Of these, 9 boats currently ply between High Court – Vypin and Vytilla- Kakkanad routes. More will start services soon as new water metro routes become operational.
Check out the features and details of Kochi Water Metro boats:
| Total number of boats | 78 |
| Boats currently in service | 9 |
| Built by | Kochin Shipyard Limited (KSL) |
| Type | battery-operated electric hybrid |
| Battery type | Lithium titanate oxide battery |
| Capacity | 2 types of boats with a capacity of 50 and 100 passengers |
| Air-conditioned | Yes |
| Eco-friendly | Yes |
| Cost | 7 crores for each boat |
| Phone charging facility | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Energy-efficient and low carbon footprint | Yes |
| Safety features | Life jackets, infant life jackets, and children’s life jackets |
| Feeding room | Yes |
| Wheelchair access | Yes |
| Window type | Panoramic |
| CCTV cameras | Yes |
To know more about the features and amenities of KWM boats, check out this video:
Source: YouTube
Kochi Water Metro Feeder Buses
Currently, feeder bus services are available from Kakkanad Water Metro station. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates feeder bus services from the water metro terminal at Kakkanad to the Infopark. Autos are also available.
The water metro authorities plan to introduce new AC e-bus feeder services from Kakkanad to Infopark and other localities.
Kochi Water Metro FAQs
Do you have questions on Kochi Water Metro routes, timings, ticket booking, and more? Check out answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
How to book Kochi Water Metro tickets online?
You can book Kochi Water Metro tickets online using the Kochi 1 app, the official mobile application of KMRL. Check out how to generate water metro e-tickets using the app:
Step 1: Download the app on your Android or iOS phone.
Step 2: Open the Kochi 1 app > Tap on the Register button to create an account.
Step 3: Choose an option based on whether you have the Kochi 1 card > You will see fields based on the option you choose > Fill in the fields with all the required details > Click on Continue.
Step 4: You will get a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile > Enter the OTP > Verify and Continue.
Step 5: Choose an MPIN and confirm it.
Step 6: You are now on the home page> To book Kochi Water Metro tickets, click on Book Tickets.
Step 7: Choose Water Metro at the bottom of the page.
Step 8: Choose your start point and end point from the dropdown > You can see the fare, journey date, and other details > Click on Book Ticket.
Step 9: You are now on the payment page > Click on Continue to pay for your tickets.
Step 10: You can pay using debit cards, credit cards, UPI, net banking, and other payment options.
Step 11: You will get the ticket on your phone once the payment is successful. It is an e-Ticket with a QR code. It will also be available under the View Tickets tab on the home page.
Step 12: Scan the QR code at the entry gate of the departing station. Likewise, scan it at the exit gate after you have completed the trip.
Is Kochi Water Metro open?
Yes. Currently, two routes (High Court – Vypin and Vytilla – Kakkanad) of the Kochi Water Metro are operational.
What is the timing of the water metro in Kochi?
The Kochi Water Metro timings are from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. However, the timings of the first and last boat from each terminal might vary. Check the boat timings from each water metro terminal.
How to get tickets for Kochi Water Metro?
You can buy Kochi Water Metro tickets from the ticket counters at the terminals. Upon payment, you will receive a card ticket which you should scan at the entry and exit gates.
Alternatively, you can book e-Tickets through the Kochi 1 app or use the Kochi 1 card to travel in the water metro. Period passes for one week, one month, and three months are also available.
What is the budget for the water metro in Kerala?
The overall tentative cost of the water metro in Kerala is 1137 crores.
Where to board Kochi Water Metro?
You can board Kochi Water Metro boards from one of the operational terminals. Four water metro stations are open in Kochi – High Court, Vypin, Vytilla, and Kakkanad.
What are the Kochi Water Metro timings from High Court?
The first boat from the High Court water metro terminal is at 8:00 am. The last boat service is at 7:30 pm. The frequency of boat services is 20 minutes.
What is the Kochi Water Metro official website?
The official website of Kochi Water Metro Limited is https://watermetro.co.in/.
Is there a mobile app for Kochi Water Metro?
How many stations are there in Kochi Water Metro?
The total number of proposed stations in Kochi Water Metro is 38. Of these 38 stations, the High Court, Vypin, Vytilla, and Kakkanad stations are currently in service.
Six more stations – Eloor, South Chittoor, Cheranalloor, Bolgatty, Mulavukad North, and Fort Kochi – will become operational in 2023.
How many boats are there in Kochi Water Metro?
The total number of boats proposed for Kochi Water Metro is 78. Out of these, 9 boats are offering services in the operational routes. More will start operating in 2023.
What is the Kochi Water Metro contact number?
The Kochi Water Metro contact number is +91 75111 65656. You can also mail the Kochi Water Metro Limited at customercare@watermetro.co.in.
Can I use the Kochi 1 card for water metro rides?
Yes. You can travel in the water metro using the Kochi One card. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Purchase a Kochi 1 card from a water metro station/ rail metro station/ Axis Bank branch. The cost of the card is INR 150.
(If you already have the card, make sure that you activate water metro transactions on the card. You can do it at the customer care centers at the water metro stations.)
Step 2: Recharge the card. You can do it online through the Kochi 1 app or through the support centers at rail/water metro stations.
Step 3: Tap the card at the entry gate. You can board the boat and proceed with the trip.
Step 4: Tap the card again at the exit gate once you have reached the destination. The fare for the trip will be deducted from your card.
When did Kochi Water Metro start?
Kochi Water Metro was officially launched on 25th April 2023. The first service of the metro began on 26th April 2023 on the High Court – Vypin route.
Which is the first water metro in India?
Kochi Water Metro in Kerala is the first water metro in India.
How much do Kochi Water Metro tickets cost?
Kochi Water Metro ticket charges range between INR 20 to INR 30, depending on the route. Ticket charges on the High Court – Vypin route is INR 20 per trip. The fare for the Vytilla – Kakkanad route is INR 30 per trip.
Does Kochi Water Metro have toilets?
Kochi Water Metro boats don’t have toilet facilities. However, all water metro stations have toilets and washrooms in the waiting/lounge area.
Does Kochi Water Metro have student passes?
Currently, Kochi Water Metro does not offer special passes for students.
More From Kerala
