Mattancherry Water Metro Terminal Set to Be Completed by September 2024

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has revealed that construction work on the Mattancherry terminal of the Water Metro will kick off in December, with a targeted completion date set for September 2024. Ferries are expected to begin operations at the terminal shortly after its completion.

The project has overcome various challenges, including delays and uncertainties that plagued the terminal's fate for years. KMRL has finalized the tender for the project, awarding the construction work to Crescent Contractors Private Limited, an Ernakulam-based firm. The approach to expedite the construction involves the utilization of pre-fabricated components, alongside simultaneous work on various aspects of the terminal.

This announcement follows the initial setback, where the contractor winning the first bid was 'descoped' due to a failure to initiate work on time. Subsequent tenders faced a lackluster response, and reported delays in obtaining clearances, including from the German lending agency KfW for the next tender.

In addition to the Mattancherry terminal, KMRL is actively working to complete marine platforms and other pending tasks at the Fort Kochi terminal by December. The prolonged delay in readying Water Metro terminals at Fort Kochi and Mattancherry has drawn criticism, particularly since these areas are prominent heritage tourism hubs in Kerala.

The Mattancherry Water Metro Action Council has welcomed the award of the tender for the terminal, expressing satisfaction after organizing protests and submitting a memorandum to the Chief Minister, urging swift construction of the terminal. The council emphasizes the crucial role of water connectivity in revitalizing tourism and commerce in the heritage locale.

Out of the total 38 Water Metro terminals planned, five are currently operational, serving ferries on the High Court-Vypeen and Vyttila-Kakkanad routes. Construction work is underway at eight terminals, including Fort Kochi, Eloor, Cheranalloor, S. Chitoor, Mulavukad North, Willingdon Island, Kumbalam, Palianthuruth, and Kadamakudy. The tender for over a dozen additional terminals is expected to be floated in the coming month.

THE HINDU