Kochi’s Transportation

Kerala as a state stands out in various ways, including its transportation infrastructure. The state is equipped with various modes of transportation, including road, rail, water, and air transport. Kerala has one of the highest road densities in India, with approximately 853 km of roads per 100 square kilometers, three times the national average of 387 km per 100 square kilometers.

All villages in the state are connected by all-weather roads, making transportation accessible to everyone. Inland water transport, although pushed aside by faster motor transport, is still functioning efficiently in the backwaters of central and south Kerala. This mode of transport, being the most fuelefficient and environmentally friendly, is mostly used for ferry and tourist transport.

The state is experiencing an unexpected surge in the number of motor vehicles. The annual growth rate of motor vehicles doubles every five to six years. Out of the 3.72 lakh kilometers of roads in the state, only 20% are motorable, and the rest are mostly narrow or single-lane pathways intended for residential or street connectivity.

The arterial and sub-arterial roads consisting of National Highways, State Highways, and Major District Roads, which are supervised by the Public Works Department, are used by 80% of motorable traffic. Exploring Kochi: Kochi has a rich Eurasian cultural heritage dating back over 500 years.

This vibrant coastal city boasts a variety of natural landscapes, including backwaters, canals, and greenery, and relies heavily on tourism for its economy. Kochi is also a part of India’s Smart Cities Mission initiative, and is divided into three administrative regions: Cochin Municipal Corporation (CMC), Kochi City Region (KCR), and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), with populations of 6.46 lakhs, 12.23 lakhs, and 20.01 lakhs, respectively. Public transport in Kochi, accounts for 49% of the mode share, also serves as the backbone of Kochi city and includes several modes of transportation, such as the metro, city buses, auto-rickshaws, suburban rail, and ferry boats.

The city bus system is vital in fulfilling travel requirements within the city and connecting Kochi to satellite towns. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators jointly run city bus services. Ferries, operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), private operators, the tourism department, and the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), serve as the primary connection between the mainland and the islands.

Suburban rail provides intercity connectivity between Kochi and surrounding towns and cities, primarily used by students and the day-to-day business and office sectors. Kochi’s Transportation: Kochi, a bustling port city in the Indian state of Kerala, has a rich history of transportation that dates back to the early 14th century.

The city, which is often referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” has been a major hub for maritime trade and commerce for centuries, and as a result, transportation has always been a critical aspect of the city’s economy. The Early Years: The history of transportation in Kochi can be traced back to the 14th century, when the city was ruled by the Kingdom of Cochin. During this time, the city’s port was a major hub for the spice trade, with ships coming from as far away as China and Europe to trade goods such as pepper, ginger, and cardamom.

In the early years, transportation in Kochi was primarily done through the use of traditional boats, known as “vallams.” These boats were used to transport goods and people between the different islands and ports along the coast, and they played a critical role in the city’s early development. The Arrival of the Railway: In the late 19th century, Kochi saw a major transformation in its transportation infrastructure with the arrival of the railway. The first railway line to reach Kochi was the Mangalore-Madras line, which was completed in 1905.

This line connected Kochi to the rest of the country and allowed for the easy transportation of goods and people between the city and other parts of India. Also Read | Kochi Metro leading the rail transformation in India[1] Over the years, Kochi’s railway network expanded, with the addition of several new lines and stations.

Today, the city is served by several major railway stations, including Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, and Kochi Harbor Terminus. The Rise of the Automobile: In the mid-20th century, Kochi saw another major shift in its transportation infrastructure with the rise of the automobile. As more and more people began to own cars and other vehicles, the city’s roads and highways became increasingly congested.

To address this issue, the government of Kerala initiated several major transportation projects, including the construction of new highways, flyovers, and bridges. These projects helped to ease congestion and improve the overall flow of traffic in the city. Latest developments:

The transportation has become a major challenge for the city, with traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and poor infrastructure being the primary issues. However, the government of Kerala has been actively taking initiatives to enhance the transportation infrastructure of the state and address these issues. One of the significant developments in the transportation sector of Kochi is the Kochi Metro[2] Rail Limited (KMRL), which has been operational since 2017.

The metro has become a game-changer in the city’s transportation sector and has significantly reduced the traffic congestion on the roads. The KMRL has been expanding its network, and the work on the 11.2 km stretch from Maharaja’s College to Pettah has been completed. Once this stretch becomes operational, it will connect the north and south regions of the city, making it easier for people to commute.

Another major project that has been initiated to improve transportation in Kochi is the Water Metro project. The project aims to develop an integrated water transport system in the Greater Kochi region, which will connect the islands and the mainland. The water metro will consist of 78 modern boats, which will operate along 15 routes, connecting 38 jetties, and will have a capacity to transport around 50,000 passengers per day.

The project will be funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) and is expected to be completed by 2023. The state government has also taken measures to enhance the road infrastructure in Kochi. The Kerala government has initiated the construction of a four-lane elevated road corridor from Kundannoor Junction to Kalamassery, which will be the longest flyover in Kerala.

The project aims to reduce the traffic congestion on the EdappallyKundannoor stretch, which witnesses heavy traffic during peak hours. The elevated corridor will also connect the Kochi Metro’s existing and proposed stations, making it easier for commuters to access the metro.

The state government has also initiated several other measures to improve the transportation sector in Kochi. The Kerala government has launched the ‘Ride Kochi’ project, which aims to provide affordable and sustainable last-mile connectivity solutions for commuters. Under this project, electric vehicles and bicycles will be provided for rent, making it easier for people to access public transportation and reduce their carbon footprint.

The government has also introduced the ‘Kochi1’ smart card, which can be used for various modes of public transport, including buses, metro, and boats. The government has also taken measures to promote non-motorized transport in Kochi. The city has been witnessing a rise in the number of cyclists, and the government has initiated the development of dedicated cycle tracks in the city.

The government has also launched the ‘Pedal Kochi’ project, which aims to promote cycling as a mode of transportation and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Current Scenario: Currently, Kochi stands out as one of the select cities in India that enjoys connectivity to various other parts through major transportation modes such as road, rail, air, and water.

Kochi’s intercity linkages include three national highways (NH 17, NH 47, and NH 49), three national waterways, an international airport, Cochin Port situated on a strategic international route, and broad-gauge lines linking Kochi to other states. Moreover, the regional road connections are supplemented by a comprehensive network of navigation routes, catering to the movement of passengers and cargo through the lagoon system. RITES conducted a survey in 2001 as part of a comprehensive study for the transport system in the Greater Cochin area.

According to the survey analysis, buses account for approximately 14% of vehicular traffic and transport 73% of passenger traffic. Cars hold a 38% share of vehicular trips and carry 15% of passenger trips. Two-wheelers contribute 35% of vehicular traffic and 8% of passenger traffic, while auto-rickshaws constitute about 13% of vehicular traffic and 4% of passenger trips.

The future of transportation in Kochi Looking ahead, the government of Kerala has several new initiatives in the works to further improve transportation in Kochi. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) plans to initiate discussions with bus operators and autorickshaw unions in order to build an integrated transportation system in the city.

With the activation of Kochi Water Metro services in the city, KMRL plans to create an integrated public transportation system along the lines of ‘Transport for London,’ with a single card that can be used on all transport services. Also Read: Kochi Water Metro: an incredible success story of transformation in transport sector[3] As per the concept, the new transportation system will also connect the city’s Metro trains, Water Metro boat services, buses, and autorickshaws.

As part of the new transportation system, a standard payment method based on a new mobile application would be deployed, which is expected to increase footfalls in Metro and enhance other public transportation systems. The Kochi Metro is serving the city and its suburbs. The first phase of the project, which includes a 25-kilometer stretch of track and 22 stations, is set to be completed by 2023.

The second phase of the project will add an additional 11 kilometers of track and 11 stations. In addition to the Kochi Metro, the government of Kerala is also investing in several other transportation projects, including the development of new roads and highways, the expansion of the city’s bus network, and the improvement of the city’s water transport system. To sum it up:

Kochi’s transportation has evolved over the years from traditional boats to modern metros, reflecting the changing needs of the city and its people. While Kochi’s transportation infrastructure has come a long way since the 14th century, the city still faces challenges with traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and poor infrastructure. However, with initiatives such as the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the government’s focus on enhancing the transportation infrastrcuture of the state, there is hope for a better future.

With its rich heritage and natural landscapes, Kochi continues to be a popular destination for tourists, and its tranpsoration system serves as a backbone for teh city’s economy.

References

1. ^ Kochi Metro leading the rail transformation in India (egov.eletsonline.com)
2. ^ Kochi Metro (egov.eletsonline.com)
3. ^ Kochi Water Metro: an incredible success story of transformation in transport sector (egov.eletsonline.com)