Integrating canals key for Kochi Water Metro project

KOCHI: As the state cabinet has given its nod to the proposal for authorising Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) as special purpose vehicle (SPV) for integrated urban regeneration and water transport system, the metro agency looks forward to implementing various canal development activities in the city.
KMRL managing director A P M Mohammed Hanish said the canal development programme in the city was initially envisaged by the Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC)."Approval has been accorded for KMRL to function as SPV and now we can start implementing the projects. The synergistic approach of KMRL and Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) in implementing Kochi Metro project can be utilised for implementing this project too," he said, adding that there is convergence of many projects listed under CSML and Water Metro.
While KMRL implements Kochi Metro with the aid of a French loan and Water Metro with German financial support, the urban regeneration and water transport projects will be implemented with funds from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The board has sanctioned around Rs 556 crore for these projects.
The integrated urban regeneration and water transport system is being planned to integrate the canals in the city. He said creation of navigable waterways is the base for implementing Kochi Water Metro project. "Transportation and navigation are two thrust areas of CSML. The cleaning of waterways come under Smart City project. Development of all major canals will be taken up. Canals which we have been unable to include in it - like the Rameswaram canal in West Kochi - has been included under Smart City projects," said Hanish. The detailed project report (DPR) has already been prepared for executing these projects and there are no major hurdles in execution, he said.
Meanwhile, Kochi Metro officials who keep track of various infrastructure projects being implemented in Kochi and its suburbs have pointed out the need to bring in other agencies, including public works department (PWD) while drafting projects.
"When KMRL goes ahead with implementing Kochi Water Metro, the Kerala state water transport department (SWTD) and PWD are simultaneously executing various projects. While SWTD brings in more boats, the PWD goes ahead with their plans to construct bridges. If there is no effective coordination between various departments the huge investments and resources used for executing developing waterways will go down the drain," said a Kochi Metro official.
Officials with city corporation pointed out that before implementing canal development works there will be a need to identify encroachments along the banks of the canal and remove them. "If the canals have to be made navigable various constructions made over them, as well as on the banks will have to be pulled down. Moreover, outlets carrying wastewater to the canals have to be plugged. These will be the toughest part in implementing the canal development project in the city," said an official.