The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has asked the Revenue Department to carry out a resurvey of the Edappally canal from Tripunithura to Aluva to identify encroachments and assess its average width.
Operating ferry services through the canal will help integrate the metro with water transport in the city.
External funding agencies expected to grant loan to Kochi Metro had evinced interest in the multi-modal integration of transportation systems envisaged by the KMRL.
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On low-lying bridges along the canal hampering movement of boats, sources in the agency said its project wing had suggested methods to raise their height, without fully dismantling them.
There were also confirmed reports of apartments, shops and workshops encroaching into the canal, stifling its width.
The KMRL is keen to operate safer, faster and less polluting boats procured using Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) funds to West Kochi, Goshree Islands and Kakkanad, in keeping with the Union Urban Development Ministry’s policy.
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“The KMRL had given a proposal to operate water buses and sought funds from the Ministry. The Ministry has promised funds,” KMRL’s MD Elias George said.
The KMRL has entered into an agreement with State Water Transport Department (SWTD) to operate a ferry service from Vyttila Mobility Hub to Kakkanad, once the Irrigation Department readies a boat jetty at the hub. Though the SWTD is reluctant to operate more ferries to West Kochi and Vypeen, Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) has plans to operate ferries to Goshree Islands.
Director Board
The next Director Board meeting of the KMRL will be held here on Thursday. Carrying out a survey for possible extension of the metro to Kakkanad and to the international airport is among the items on the agenda.