Kochi Water Metro to convert aquatic weeds into biofuel to tackle service disruptions

Kochi: The Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) has devised a plan to address the challenge posed by aquatic weeds that affect boat service. The organisation plans to convert collected water hyacinths into biofuels, effectively transforming a potential obstacle into a useful resource.
According to sources, KWML has started preliminary discussions with a private firm based in Kalamassery to examine the possibility of using the collected hyacinth as biofuel in their production unit.
The rapid growth of aquatic weeds, particularly water hyacinths, across Kochi's waterways and rivers has become a major impediment to inland water transportation. After KWML faced service disruptions, it decided to buy a weed harvester to clear extensive patches of water hyacinth blocking various waterways, particularly along the Vyttila-Kakkanad and High Court-Chittoor routes. However, since disposing of significant amounts of weeds would pose a significant challenge, they decided to consider an alternative approach.
"We have identified an opportunity to utilise these collected weeds as alternative biofuel sources for industrial facilities," said KWML CEO Sajan P John.
"A substantial amount of water hyacinth would be collected each day, requiring immediate disposal due to storage limitations. The harvested weeds need to be transported promptly to locations where they can serve as biofuel material," said the CEO.
Last year, the services of Water Metro boats were suspended after two barges of FACT got stuck in weeds in the Kaniyampuzha area of the Chambakkara canal. Apart from aquatic weeds, waste, including plastic bags, poses a major threat to the boat and barge services. There were many incidents of plastic bags and other waste materials getting stuck on the propellers of Water Metro boats.
Union minister enjoys Metro ride: Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal took a Water Metro ride on Tuesday afternoon from High Court terminal to Fort Kochi and Vypeen routes. During his visit, he also held discussions with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) managing director Loknath Behera about plans to implement the Water Metro in other parts of the country.
Water Metro surpasses 40 lakh passengers: The Water Metro service, which is going to celebrate its second anniversary soon, has achieved the milestone of 40 lakh passengers. Water Metro has 19 boats across five routes, serving 10 terminals.