On Sunday evening, the closing ceremony of the Urban Mobility India Conference 2023 took place. Many cities won various awards in various categories. One of these was awarded to Kochi’s Water Metro. Kochi’s water metro was awarded as the best green initiative in transport in India. The city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh got the prize for the most creative finance mechanism for its city transport services, while Kochi’s Water Metro project was named the Best Green Transport Initiative in India.
Kochi’s Water Metro Bags India’s Best Green Initiative Transport
Kerala bagged the Best Green Initiative Award, and here’s why! The high population density of Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala, is exacerbated by the Water Metro project. It is an integrated ferry transit system that uses the city’s vast network of canals to reduce pollution and traffic. An innovative idea for ecologically friendly urban water transportation is the Kochi Water Metro.
The boats’ electric propulsion is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 16,500 metric tons a year once it is fully implemented. India’s objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2070 is aided by this project.
The boats were made with the least amount of noise and wave action possible since these factors can damage banks and affect the river’s native plants and animals. They were made of recyclable, lightweight materials. Toilets were not provided on board the vessels in order to protect the backwaters and India’s largest lake, Vembanad Lake, from any emissions. (As per Swarajya)
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Recently Reached A Milestone
Hon’ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said: “Proud that the #KochiWaterMetro will be dedicated to the nation on 25th April by Hon’ble @PMOIndia Shri Narendra Modi ji. It would undoubtedly be a significant enhancement to Kochi’s infrastructure”: PRO KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/H8FfMRwtuR
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) April 23, 2023
Over 33,000 islanders will benefit from the 15 routes that the metro proposes to use electric ferries to connect more than 10 islands.
This large-scale initiative intends to increase ridership. It also provides locals and tourists with a unique method of transportation. This is done by introducing contemporary, eco-friendly, safe, and energy-efficient boats. All people can use the water metro, which recently reached a noteworthy milestone when more than 10 lakh people used its services.
During the concluding remarks, Manoj Joshi, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasised the value of smart cards as a practical and effective payment method for travellers.
According to him, efforts are underway by the government to implement the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), which could improve the interoperability of different urban transportation options. (As per ET Infra.com)
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Srinagar And Shillong Among The Winners
We at #SrinagarSmartCity are extremely honoured to receive the prestigious Award of Excellence in the category of Public Transport for Srinagar’s Multimodal Public Transport Initiative conferred by the Ministry of Housing Affairs, GoI at the Urban Mobility India Conference 2023.… pic.twitter.com/OgDf2CpyTU
— Athar Aamir Khan (@AtharAamirKhan) October 29, 2023
Joshi emphasised the significance of an efficient fare collection system. He explained that a successful transportation system depends on efficient fare collection. He also discussed how to improve the financial feasibility of these projects by utilising the potential of the real estate surrounding roadways.
Comprehensive research was done on the viability and funding of urban transportation projects. In order to fulfil the increasing demands of urban transportation infrastructure, Joshi emphasised the necessity of creative finance strategies and public-private partnerships. In order to cut emissions, he also emphasised the need to adopt electric vehicles. He urged metropolitan regions to make EV infrastructure investments.
Other cities that took home honours include Shillong, which earned the best record of public involvement. Srinagar Smart City won the best public transport system.
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What are your views?
Cover Image Courtesy: @keralagovernor/X (formerly Twitter)
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