In a major development for the State of Kerala and the city of Kochi, the city is set to be the first in the nation to get a Water Metro system as the Government of India yesterday (28 October) accorded the awaited environment clearance for the major infrastructure and connectivity project, reports Hindu Businessline.

The project which will cost a sum of Rs 819 crore will provide unprecedented connectivity between 10 island communities across a channel length of 78.2 kilometres with 38 terminals and two boatyards coming up along the way.

The Water Metro, once completed, will serve on fifteen identified routes, and provide easier access to scenic islands around the mainland city of Kochi. This would add to the tourism potential across the region while also giving a boost to employment opportunities.

The project is to be implemented by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) which is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Kerala with an equal shareholding.