Kochi metro is moving a step closer to sustainability by bringing in hydrogen fuel cell technology for the vessels in near future. The project is expected to be established within the next five to ten years.
Kochi– India’s first water metro sets afoot towards sustainability as Kochi’s water metro has made a proposal for the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology. There is also a plan to add a vessel running on green hydrogen in the near future, as reported.
Loknath Behera, managing director of Kochi Water Metro stated that it is essential to stay ahead of the game in terms of technological advancement to ensure sustainability, as reported by The New Indian Express. He stated that within the next five to ten years, the current electric boat fleet will become obsolete as new technology emerges. “We are currently considering the introduction of hydrogen-fuel-cell vessels developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). The potential for widespread use of these vessels will be assessed for future boats. However, cost-effective modifications will be necessary for implementation.” he added.
“Currently, green hydrogen is costly, but this won’t remain true in the future,” he added. Behera also said that, after the recent commencement of operations on the South Chittoor, Eloor and Cheranalloor routes the Fort Kochi to High Court stretch is next in line.
Behera stated that the trial run for parking boats near the floating pontoon at Fort Kochi terminal has concluded, and soon, the boats will undergo testing on the route from High Court to Fort Kochi.
“We are planning to start services on the route, with a focus on tourists, in April. The plan is to operate three boats on the route once service commences,” he said, adding that CSL is expected to deliver one more boat soon.
The metro service is expecting more tourists, as the schools are closed for vacations. “Interior work on the Fort Kochi terminal is in the final stages and efforts are on to complete it at the earliest. The construction of terminals at Paliyamthuruth, Kumbalam, Willingdon Island, Eroor and Mattanchery is also progressing,” an official stated.
India’s First Water Metro
Kochi became India’s first city to have a Water metro after the commencement of its first boat ‘Muziris’ among the 23 battery-powered electric boats being manufactured by the Cochin Shipyard Limited, in December 2021. The Kochi Water metro transportation’s working is rooted in sustainability, with over 75 E-boats connecting across the city.
SOURCE: Times Now News
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