A Kerala Blueprint for Kashmir: Kochi water metro model explored for Dal Lake, Jhelum

Kochi, Feb 2: As the Jammu and Kashmir government looks for sustainable, congestion-free urban mobility solutions, an unlikely but promising idea is quietly gathering momentum—reviving the region’s historic waterways for modern public transport.

Officials from the Kochi Water Metro, a subsidiary of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), have completed a detailed field visit to Jammu and Kashmir and submitted a comprehensive feasibility report to the Union Territory government, exploring the potential of inland water transport across Kashmir’s iconic water bodies.

India’s first integrated, electric-powered water transport system, the Kochi Water Metro has redefined daily commuting across Kerala’s backwaters by seamlessly linking islands, suburbs and city centres through a clean, efficient and affordable network. Now, its proven model could offer a blueprint for Kashmir—a region shaped by rivers and lakes, yet largely absent from contemporary inland transport planning.

According to officials familiar with the visit, the KMRL team surveyed Dal Lake, Jhelum River, Nigeen Lake and select canal stretches, evaluating navigability, seasonal water levels, environmental sensitivities and passenger demand. The feasibility report proposes potential routes, jetty locations, vessel designs adapted for colder climates, and integration with existing road-based public transport.

For Kashmir, the implications extend far beyond mobility. A well-planned water transport network could ease traffic congestion in Srinagar, curb vehicular pollution in ecologically fragile zones, generate green employment and offer tourists a regulated, low-impact alternative to traditional modes of travel. More significantly, it could help revive the Jhelum’s historic role as the Valley’s main arterial route—once the backbone of trade and movement.

Urban planners say Kochi’s model is particularly relevant for Kashmir because it prioritises electric boats, universal accessibility, last-mile connectivity and strict environmental safeguards, critical in a region where ecology and economy are deeply intertwined. Still, challenges remain, including fluctuating water levels, winter freezing, siltation and the need to balance modern infrastructure with the livelihoods of traditional boatmen.

“We have done an extensive work and submitted the feasibility report to the J&K government,” Managing Director, KMRL Loknath Behera, told Greater Kashmir. “I am sure union government and government of J&K must be thinking positively on this. It takes time. We are waiting to hear from them and the best possible things could be taken up,” he added.

Kashmir could draw lessons from Kochi’s successful backwater transport model to develop its own inland water mobility system. “Kashmir can adapt Kochi’s backwater success to its own unique geography and climate,” Sajan John, Chief Operating Officer, Kochi Water Metro, told Greater Kashmir.

“This is an ecosystem built around creating a robust and vibrant inland water management system. There are many similarities between Kashmir and Kerala. We have submitted a feasibility report, and it appears the project can be taken forward.

He added that the initiative could significantly enhance urban mobility, boost tourism and create new livelihood opportunities. “We met government secretaries and stakeholders, and I believe a robust mechanism can be built to take this forward.”

The Kochi Water Metro was assigned the task by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and the delegation held consultations with authorities and stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir.

‘Inside the Kochi Model’

The visit coincided with a Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar-organised media tour to Kerala, aimed at familiarising journalists with the Kochi Water Metro’s planning, implementation and operations.

The press delegation visited Kochi Metro Rail Limited and interacted with senior officials, including Loknath Behera, Managing Director, KMRL, Dr M.P. Ram Navas, Director (Projects); Shaji Janardanan, Chief General Manager, Sajan John, COO, Kochi Water Metro; and K.K. Jayakumar, Head (PR & Social Media).

Behera described the Water Metro as a time-saving, integrated mobility concept, highlighting seamless ticketing across rail and water services. “Human interface, attention to detail, cleanliness and efficient ticketing are critical to the success of any public transport system,” he said.

Officials explained that the Water Metro currently operates 20 battery-powered boats and 12 terminals, providing daily connectivity to commuters from around 10 surrounding islands. Operational details, including terminal accessibility, safety protocols, rescue boats and dedicated charging docks, were also demonstrated.

The Kochi Water Metro was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 25, 2023, and has since earned multiple national and international recognitions. Officials noted that feasibility studies for similar systems have been conducted in 15 cities, including Srinagar, with Mumbai identified as the next likely location.

Significantly, the IWAI and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an Urban Water Transport System in Srinagar, modelled on the Kochi Water Metro.

The proposed RS 900-crore project envisions electric-hybrid boats operating across five routes with ten terminals on Dal Lake, and two routes with eight terminals on the River Jhelum, offering a clean alternative to road-based transport. The network aims to ease congestion, improve intra-city connectivity and promote eco-friendly mobility.

Under the MoU, the J&K government will provide administrative support, clearances, land acquisition and allied infrastructure, while ensuring seamless first- and last-mile connectivity. IWAI will offer technical expertise, oversee navigation safety, maintain channels and support capacity-building for inland water transport personnel.

If realised, the initiative could mark a transformative shift—from the backwaters of Kochi to the waters of Dal, charting a new, sustainable course for urban mobility in Kashmir.