Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has set in motion a process aimed at the implementation of its ambitious Water Metro project.
KMRL Managing Director Elias George on Monday kick-started consultations and site visits through the local bodies in the water metro corridor. Kadamakkudy and Cheranalloor panchayats were his first destinations.
Prospective locations for jetties in these local bodies at Korankotta, Pizhala, Chennur, Kothad and South Chittoor were inspected, Road connectivity to the proposed jetties was also considered. Mr. George held discussions with Kadamakkudy panchayat president Shalini Babu and Cheranalloor panchayat president Sony Chikku along with other panchayat members and officials.
The Water Metro project passes through six panchayats and four municipalities besides touching some areas of the Kochi Corporation. It envisages development of 16 identified routes, connecting 38 jetties across 10 islands and covers a total distance of 76 kilometres.
“We are also keen to fine-tune the project, taking into consideration the feedback received from the affected communities. There are issues relating to the availability of land for the jetties, the concerns of the local fisherfolk, erosion, issues relating to the ownership of the waterways, etc., which require detailed discussions,” he was quoted as saying in a release issued here.
Mr. George said that concerns of all stakeholders, including the local communities depending on the waterways for their livelihood, would be considered.
