In pics: India’s first 'Water Metro' launched by PM Modi in Kochi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first Water Metro services on Tuesday in Kochi, Kerala.

The Kochi water metro project aims to link ten island communities in Kerala's city with the mainland, resulting in shorter travel times and more cost-effective transportation.

The new project, which has been termed a 'dream project' by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan boasts a distinct infrastructure and has a capacity of carrying over one lakh passengers.

The first service would begin soon from High Court-Vypin terminals to Vyttila-Kakkanad terminals. The service will begin 7 am and will continue till 8 pm. The boats will operate on the route every 15 minutes during peak hours.

According to the Kerala government, the cost-effective and secure journey in air-conditioned boats will help people to reach their respective destinations without being stuck in traffic snarls.

Passengers can use "Kochi 1" card to avail water metro services. They can also book the tickets digitally. The ticket price starts from Rs 20, and the maximum ticket price is Rs 40.

Passengers can also avail various travel passes like the weekly pass (Rs 180), monthly pass (Rs 600), and quarterly pass (Rs 1500).

The metro water services will connect Kochi's 10 island communities with the mainland through a fleet of 78 battery-operated electric hybrid boats plying along 38 terminals and 16 routes spanning 76 kilometers.

India's first water metro project was set up at a cost of Rs 1,136.83 crore in the port city.

Kochi water metro project aims to introduce modern, energy efficient, environment friendly and safe boats with low wake and draft characteristics at a high frequency to increase ridership.

"The world-class Kochi Water Metro is setting sail! It is Kerala's dream project connecting 10 islands in and around Kochi. KWM with 78 electric boats & 38 terminals cost 1,136.83 crores, funded by GoK & KfW. Exciting times are ahead for our transport and tourism sectors!," tweeted Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.