Kochi Water Metro plans to shift operations control

By Admin

14 Apr, 2025

A move for smarter operations and stronger commercial returns

The Kochi Water Metro, India’s pioneering integrated water transport initiative, is gearing up for a strategic change in its operations. The Operations Control Centre (OCC), currently functioning out of the Vyttila Mobility Hub, is set to be shifted to the High Court terminal — a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and boosting non-fare box revenue.

Why the OCC is being relocated

The OCC is the brain of the Water Metro system, responsible for the overall control and coordination of ferry operations. At present, the centre is located at the KWML building in Vyttila, which only caters directly to the Vyttila-Kakkanad service. However, most of the other operational routes — including High Court to Fort Kochi, Vypeen, South Chittoor, and Cheranalloor — are located in the High Court region. By shifting the OCC to the High Court terminal, Kochi Water Metro aims to improve operational efficiency by positioning its control centre at the heart of its active routes.

Unlocking commercial potential at Vyttila Hub

The relocation of the OCC also opens up a significant opportunity to monetize the vacated space. The two-storey building at Vyttila has 15,000 sq ft available on each floor, totalling 29,000 sq ft of leasable commercial space. With demand for commercial real estate increasing in the Vyttila area — especially with inquiries from prominent entities like the Kerala State Beverages Corporation Ltd (Bevco) — the Water Metro is eyeing an increase in non-fare revenue through strategic leasing.

Vyttila Hub’s growing value

Vyttila is emerging as a vital transportation convergence point in Kochi. With metro rail, bus, and waterway services intersecting at this hub, the location has seen a surge in demand for retail and service spaces. The Water Metro authorities anticipate high interest in the soon-to-be-available commercial area, further contributing to financial sustainability.

Expanding commercial footprints beyond Vyttila

Beyond Vyttila, Kochi Water Metro is also targeting its spacious terminals at High Court Junction, Vypeen, and upcoming hubs in Mattancherry and Thevara for commercial leasing. These efforts aim to diversify revenue streams and support operational sustainability.

Progress towards operational breakeven

The Water Metro has been steadily building momentum since its inception. With 36 terminals planned across 15 routes covering 78 km and connecting 10 islands, the project is poised to become a model for modern urban water transport. The average daily ridership crossed the 6,000 mark in October last year, with breakeven expected upon the launch of the High Court – Mattancherry route. To meet this goal, the system must generate a daily revenue of Rs 2.5 lakh, equating to over 7,000 daily riders.

A glimpse into the OCC's role

The OCC is a sophisticated facility equipped with an LED-based large video display wall and all necessary computing and communications infrastructure to monitor and coordinate the entire ferry network in real-time. Its relocation is expected to streamline operations and provide better oversight of high-traffic routes.

Conclusion

The decision to shift the Kochi Water Metro’s Operations Control Centre is both a tactical and strategic move — enabling more effective service control while unlocking commercial potential at a prime location. As the Water Metro continues to evolve, this initiative marks a vital step towards achieving both operational excellence and financial viability.