Kochi Water Metro reduces terminal count to 33

The Kerala Transport Department has modified the Kochi Water Metro project, reducing the total number of proposed terminals from 38 to 33. The decision involves dropping six terminals—Aster, Amrita, Thevara, Mulavukad Panchayat, Kothad, and Cheriyamthuruth—while adding a new terminal at Nettoor.

Authorities cited several technical and logistical reasons for the cancellations. The Aster terminal was deemed unviable due to narrow, shallow waterways and the presence of Chinese fishing nets. Amrita was removed due to execution difficulties, while Thevara was dropped because of the alleged non-availability of government land. Kothad and Cheriyamthuruth were removed due to potential navigation constraints caused by proposed bridge constructions. Additionally, the Mulavukad Panchayat terminal was cancelled due to low projected passenger footfall.

The decision has faced criticism from the CPM, which described the move as ‘anti-people.’ Party leaders argued that the changes undermine the project’s original goal of connecting island communities and easing traffic congestion. Critics also claimed that the Nettoor terminal was already part of the original detailed project report and that the government’s presentation of it as a new addition is misleading.