Water Metro extension to Infopark delayed by pending government decision.

Despite ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity to Kochi's eastern regions, particularly in anticipation of the ₹25,000 crore Infopark Phase III project, a critical component-the extension of the Kochi Water Metro service to Infopark-remains significantly delayed. The hold-up stems from a pending government decision regarding the demolition of the Kozhichira bund in Kadambrayar.

The original plan for Kochi Water Metro's route number 2 envisioned a seamless connection from Vyttila to Infopark, including intermediate stops at Eroor and Kakkanad (Chittethukara). However, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), the implementing agency for the Water Metro, was compelled to halt the extension from Chittethukara to Infopark. This decision was influenced by strong opposition from various departments against removing the Kozhichira bund and public concerns about potential saline water intrusion into the area.

Infopark authorities and Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) have reportedly appealed to the state government multiple times to address the issue, but a decision on the bund's removal has yet to be made. Infopark officials now plan to submit a fresh plea to the government, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

The delay is particularly frustrating given that the government, while announcing the new Infopark Phase III campus, has prioritized improving road, Metro rail, and water transport connectivity to the region.

Infopark Chief Executive Officer Sushanth Kurunthil highlighted the necessity of the Water Metro extension for attracting investors. “We have to increase connectivity to attract investors to the region. We should remove hurdles for the extension,” he stated. The Kochi Metro has also been progressing on an extension to Infopark from JLN Stadium, expected by late 2026. However, without a resolution for the Water Metro extension, a key aspect of multi-modal connectivity for the burgeoning IT hub remains on hold.