Water Metro becomes part of KTM 2026 experience

Kochi / September 27, 2026

Kochi, Sept 27: Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026 has turned Kochi’s Water Metro into part of the event experience, ferrying domestic and international buyers from hotels in Bolgatty and Marine Drive to the mart venue, offering them a close view of the city’s storied waterways.

The initiative was aimed at integrating one of Kochi’s distinctive public transport systems into the travel experience of delegates attending the 13th edition of KTM.

KTM President Mr Jose Pradeep said the idea of showcasing the Water Metro as part of Kochi’s tourism and mobility ecosystem was conceived at the planning stage of the event.

“Getting guests from the hotels in Bolgatty and Marine Drive to the venue at Willingdon Island by road could take considerable time. The Water Metro offers an opportunity to bring them here in about half an hour while allowing them to experience Kochi’s backwaters,” he said.

As the KTM organisers approached the Water Metro authorities, the District Collector intervened to get the service arranged, Mr. Pradeep said.

The experience received an enthusiastic response from the buyers. “Many of them told me personally that the Water Metro here is the best and that they wanted to travel on it again,” he said.

“We reached here from Bolgatty in just about 20 minutes. By road, it would take much longer because of heavy traffic. On the Water Metro, they could also get a long view of the city, defined by its backwaters,” Mr. Pradeep said, thanking the Water Metro and the District Collector for supporting the initiative.

Drawing a comparison with Venice, where waterways form a vital link of the transport network, Mr. Pradeep said Kochi needed more Water Metro services. He suggested that there is scope for at least 50 more Water Metro services to operate acros both directions.

An expanded water-based public transport network, he said, could also help reduce traffic congestion on the city’s roads.

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