Kochi’s Water Metro network is set for another expansion, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurating the Mattancherry and Willingdon Island terminals on October 11. Built at a combined cost of ₹38 crore, the two new terminals will increase the total number of operational stations to 12, further strengthening Kochi’s growing water-based public transport network that complements the city’s Metro system.
The 8,000 sq. ft. Mattancherry terminal, located close to the heritage-listed Dutch Palace, and the 3,000 sq. ft. Willingdon Island terminal, situated beside the old ferry jetty, have been designed to reflect Kochi’s historic and maritime identity. Both structures are built entirely on water — a design that aims to merge modern transport infrastructure with the city’s heritage architecture, without disturbing the natural surroundings.
The inaugural function will be held at the Mattancherry terminal at 10 a.m., with industries minister P. Rajeev presiding over the event. Kochi mayor M. Anilkumar, MP Hibi Eden, MLAs K.J. Maxi and T.J. Vinod, and corporation councillors T. Padmakumari and K.A. Ansia are among the dignitaries expected to attend.
According to officials, existing trees and greenery were preserved during construction to reduce ecological impact. The terminals are expected to improve connectivity between the mainland and the heritage areas, besides giving a push to local commerce and tourism in Mattancherry and Willingdon Island.
The Water Metro — a joint initiative of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the Kerala government — has gradually become a key part of the city’s urban mobility plan, linking several island communities to the mainland. With every new terminal, the network is moving closer to its aim of offering a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable mode of travel across Kochi’s backwaters.
