Kochi Water Metro model sparks hope for eco-friendly connectivity at Manipur's Loktak Lake

The possibility of implementing a water metro system similar to the Kochi Water Metro in Loktak Lake has sparked fresh discussions on improving connectivity for lake-dwelling communities in Manipur without harming the fragile ecosystem.

The idea gained momentum after a media team from Manipur visited Kerala as part of a media tour organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB) Imphal. 

The tour exposed journalists to major central government institutions, development initiatives, and Kerala’s cultural heritage, including a visit to the Vyttila–Fort Kochi stretch of the Kochi Water Metro, a flagship and environmentally sustainable urban transport project implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).

Impressed by the efficiency and eco-friendly design of the water metro, the visiting journalists raised questions about whether a similar system could be adapted for Loktak Lake, where residents face severe mobility challenges due to the lack of reliable public transport. Loktak Lake, located in the Moirang area of Manipur, is home to several floating and land-based island villages, where fishing remains the primary occupation.

Responding to the query, KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera said that operating a water metro system in Loktak Lake is technically possible, considering the lake’s depth and area. However, he stressed that a detailed feasibility study and environmental assessment would be essential before any such project is taken forward. He also assured that KMRL would be willing to provide technical guidance to states interested in developing water-based public transport systems.

During the interaction, a detailed presentation showcased the operational framework, technology, and infrastructure of the Kochi Water Metro. Kerala became India’s first state to introduce a water metro system with the launch of the project in December 2021. The network currently connects 10 islands over 78 kilometres, with 15 routes identified, and 20 electric boats and 12 terminals in operation. The system uses battery-powered boats, ensuring minimal environmental impact, and offers seamless integration with the rail metro through common ticketing.

Behera noted that several states, including Odisha and Karnataka, have approached KMRL for similar projects, and that the central government has advised the agency to extend technical guidance for potential implementation in Assam, including Guwahati and Tezpur.

Meanwhile, residents of Loktak Lake continue to highlight the urgency of improved connectivity. A resident of Champu Khangpok, a floating island village, said commuting to the lake’s bank or Karang Island can take up to two hours by traditional canoe. The village has around 140 households, all dependent on fishing. Due to ecological concerns, many residents avoid mechanised boats, relying solely on manual canoes despite the hardship.

Apart from floating villages, land islands such as Karang, Ithing, and Sendra also depend on boats for daily movement. Residents have expressed hope for better transport solutions that do not compromise the lake’s unique ecosystem, particularly the floating biomass that sustains fishing livelihoods.

As discussions continue, Loktak Lake stands at the crossroads of development and conservation, with stakeholders increasingly calling for innovative, eco-sensitive transport solutions that balance connectivity with environmental preservation.