Kochi Metro Charts a Blue-Green Future with ₹3,716-crore Canal Revamp

Kerala has green-lit Kochi Metro Rail Limited’s ₹3,716.10-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System, a sweeping project to deepen, widen and beautify six historic canals—Perandoor, Chilavannur, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy and Market Canal. Each will be expanded to at least 16.5 m, flanked by landscaped walkways and green pockets designed to double as flood buffers and lively public spaces.

Phase I introduces an 11.5-km navigable stretch from Muttar to Chitrapuzha, with 10 low-profile boats running every 30 minutes. The upgraded Chilavannur Canal will link directly to Elamkulam Metro Station, while a Marine-Drive-style waterfront and water-sports hub are planned to anchor new leisure activity. Supporting works include two replacement bridges and four sewage-treatment plants worth ₹1,325 crore to tackle waste and improve water quality.

“This initiative will ease flooding, cut road congestion and give residents a vibrant blue-green network for commuting and recreation,” said KMRL MD Loknath Behera, calling the canal revival a model for sustainable transport-cum-tourism.