Kochi: The proposed launch of Water Metro services to scenic Kadamakudy is turning out to be a boon for the island natives who could soon enjoy better infrastructure facilities.Acting on a request from Kadamakudy grama panchayat, the Water Metro is developing roads, protecting the shoreline and installing streetlights at key select stretches. “We’re widening a 1.4km stretch of narrow access passage from Kadamakudy temple to Kadamakudy Murikkal, where the water Metro terminal is located. Protection walls will be constructed, and interlock paver tiles will be laid to facilitate smooth traffic and commuter movements. The dangerous curves along the stretch will be straightened,” said a senior Metro official. Access road to Paliyamthuruth Metro station from Pizhala St Francis Church, which is in a dilapidated condition, will also be developed by concreting the stretch, the official added.Kadamakuddy panchayat, meanwhile, submitted another proposal to Kochi Metro authorities to undertake development of Pizhala-Cheriya Kadamakudy stretch, pointing out that the same is vital for developing the region’s tourism potential. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), too, plans to launch Kadamakuddy as a demand-based tourist service, rather than a high-frequency commuter corridor. “The Kochi Metro will benefit from the further growth of Kadamakudy as a preferred tourist destination. We thank the Metro for initiating multiple projects to develop the basic infrastructure,” said M S Antony, Kadamakudy grama panchayat president. “We called on KMRL managing director Loknath Behera with the additional proposals including development of Pizhala-Cheriya Kadamakudy stretch. However, the low-lying stretch gets frequently inundated. The road needs to be raised and the narrow culverts reconstructed. Streetlights too need to be installed along the stretch,” he added. Behera reportedly promised to visit the tourist destination next month and agreed to consider further proposals. The panchayat already submitted proposals of over Rs 1 crore before the KMRL. Meanwhile, expansion of Kochi Water Metro to Kadamakudy will be further delayed, with the officials now targeting a June 2026 launch. While the terminal works have been nearly completed, the Metro is also facing a logistical bottleneck, with Cochin Shipyard Ltd yet to deliver the final three of the 23 vessels ordered. Additionally, the route must navigate a ‘detour’ via Vypeen or Vallarpadam to protect nearly 40 traditional Chinese fishing nets along the Pizhala-Kadamakudy stretch.
