KMRL initiates Pre-Feasibility Study to connect Kochi Airport with Water Metro

Kochi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a move that could redefine urban transport in Kerala, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has launched a pre-feasibility study to explore the possibility of linking Cochin International Airport with the Kochi Water Metro, creating a seamless, multimodal connection for both domestic and international travellers.

The initiative marks the first serious effort to study airport-to-water transit integration in India and aligns with KMRL’s vision of sustainable, interconnected mobility. The study aims to identify viable routes, assess technical feasibility, and evaluate passenger potential for ferry-based airport connectivity.

According to KMRL officials, consultants have been engaged to examine infrastructure requirements, navigational constraints, and last-mile connectivity solutions to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. The agency is also exploring the possibility of dedicated Water Metro terminals near the airport precinct to minimise transfer time between air and water transport.

The pre-feasibility study comes at a time when Kochi is emerging as a national model for integrated and eco-friendly mobility. With the Water Metro already operational across 10 routes and the city’s metro rail network expanding steadily, the addition of an airport-waterway link would significantly enhance regional access and reduce road congestion.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, lauded the development, “Kochi is showing the rest of India how urban transport should evolve—green, integrated, and future-ready. An airport-to-Water Metro link is not just visionary; it’s practical and transformative. This model could well be replicated in other coastal and riverine cities.”

Cochin International Airport, India’s first fully solar-powered airport, already enjoys a reputation for sustainable operations. An integrated Water Metro terminal would further enhance its green credentials while offering commuters a scenic and efficient alternative to road transport.

The study will also explore possibilities for intermodal ticketing, luggage handling protocols, and synchronized schedules with flight arrivals and departures. Upon successful completion of the pre-feasibility study, KMRL is expected to move toward a detailed project report (DPR), subject to approvals and funding support from the state and central governments.

If implemented, the project could become a national benchmark in urban transport innovation, particularly for cities with access to navigable water networks. The integration of metro, waterway, and airport systems would position Kochi as one of the most mobility-forward cities in India.