Title - First Metro feeder in September

Kochi: The much hyped Vyttila-Kakkanad boat service, which was envisaged as part of developing a modernised and well networked feeder system for Kochi metro rail, will be launched next month. Though delayed by a couple of months, the boat service will be the first metro feeder service.The boat service was proposed by the special transit–oriented development committee constituted to develop feeder services. Apart from integrating with the metro rail, another major objective of developing new urban water routes is to use them for traffic diversion when work on the metro starts.The boats, with a carrying capacity of 50 passengers and 10 bikes, have been manufactured at Steel Industries Kerala Ltd, Kannur and are ready for operation. Average time for the Vyttila-Kakkanad journey is 25 minutes and the rate will be fixed after getting the report from NATPAC, which is studying the cost and other details.“Boats can be operated at a speed of 10 to 15 nautical miles on this route so passengers coming to Vyttila hub from distant places can reach Kakkanad in a short time, avoiding the heavy traffic rush,” said Shaji V Nair, director of Kerala State Water Transport Department. Kakkanad being an IT hub, young IT professionals are expected to form a major chunk of passengers. So, boats that can carry motorbikes will be a big hit, according to KSWTD officials.  Meanwhile, steps are afoot to constitute UMTA for the city and agglomeration areas to manage the urban transport sector.