Kochi: In a strategic move to bridge the gap between national development milestones and regional reporting, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Bhubaneswar has led a high-level media delegation from Odisha to witness the operational excellence of the Kochi Water Metro.
This specialized tour is designed to provide journalists with first-hand experience of India’s first integrated water transport system, allowing them to translate complex infrastructure success stories into relatable narratives for the people of Odisha.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with top leadership from Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).The delegation was briefed by Shri Shaji P. Janardhanan, Chief General Manager (Water Transport), KMRL and Head of Kochi Water Metro, Dr. M.P. Ramnavas, Director (Projects), KMRL, and Shri K.K. Jayakumar, Head (PR & Social Media), KMRL.
The discussions centered on how the project has successfully transported over six million passengers since its April 2023 inauguration by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. By facilitating this direct interaction, PIB ensured that the visiting media could explore the technical and social nuances of a climate-resilient transport model that utilizes battery-powered electric vessels to connect remote island communities.
The Kochi water metro project envisages the development of 15 identified routes, connecting 10 islands along a network of routes that span 78 km with a fleet of 78 fast, electrically propelled hybrid ferries plying to 38 jetties. More than 33000 islanders are expected to benefit from the water metro.
The exposure trip gained additional relevance as officials detailed the feasibility studies conducted by the Kochi team along Cuttack’s Mahanadi riverfront.
The officers also flagged the feasibility study by Kochi Water Metro along the Mahanadi riverfront in Cuttack, including the Silver City Boat Club, Bali Jatra Grounds, Barabati area, Deer Park, Chahata, Dhabaleswar Temple, Mundali Bridge, Odisha Maritime Museum and the Mandapada viewpoint, underscoring the region’s rich historical and scenic significance.
The delegation also analyzed the impact of National Waterway-5 (NW-5) and recent budgetary support for inland water transport, gaining a holistic view of India’s maritime vision.
The PIB-coordinated itinerary further balanced technological study with cultural immersion, taking the team to the Adi Shankara Janmasthanam, the Kerala Folklore Museum, and the historic Fort Kochi area.
Accompanied by Shri Manoj Kumar Jali and Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad of PIB Bhubaneswar, along with Ms. Shamila K.Y. from PIB Kochi, the journalists were given a front-row seat to the intersection of heritage and modern innovation.
This initiative underscores PIB’s commitment to fostering a well-informed media landscape through immersive, field-based reporting on projects of national significance.
In fact the PIB media tour aims direct exposure to innovative infrastructure projects, sustainable development initiatives and cultural heritage sites of national importance.