About the presentation:
The integrated water transport system established in the southern Indian state of Kerala is a unique experiment of electric mobility in urban water transport. Kochi, otherwise known as the queen of Arabian Sea is a beautiful city surrounded by an island agglomeration stretched across the serene backwaters of Kochi.
Connecting such 10 islands of Kochi to the mainland, water metro operates over 76 route kilometres. 78 nos battery electric boats are planned and with just 10 boats already delivered, water metro is easily the largest fleet of electric boats in the world, under a single command and control.
The state of art air-conditioned boats are a novel concept operating with super chargers at floating jetties. With 100% renewable energy targets for its operations by end of next year, it would be a unique model in achieving carbon neutrality in public water transport. Kochi Water metro is a replicable model in cities with navigable waters.
The socio-economic project, connecting the islands is expected to improve connectivity of islanders and thereby improve the livelihood and living standards of them. It's a major tourism booster for the beautiful islands in and around Kochi, a sustainable urban transport model.
This presentation discusses the various design and operational challenges encountered from concept to implementation and how feasible solutions brought in.
Host: Dr Biju George CEng CMarEng FIMarEST
Honorary Secretary, IMarEST South East England & London Home Counties
Speaker: Sajan P John
Chief Operating officer, Kochi Water Metro and General Manager (Water Metro Operations), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd
