Kerala Water Metro Vs Ferry: What Is The Difference Between The Two | Explained

Last Updated:January 06, 2026, 12:54 IST

A debate on X over calling a river transport project a “water metro” led to a clear explanation from a Kerala user.

He explained how Kochi’s water metro is different from regular ferries.(Photo Credit: X)

A post on X recently caught attention after it spoke about a possible water metro project in Lucknow. The post read, “Lucknow May Soon Get Water Metro on Gomti River as Yogi Govt Reviews Feasibility and Expansion Plans," and was shared with images showing boats on a wide river, modern terminals along the banks, and city buildings in the background. The visuals sparked curiosity and debate among users online.

Soon after, one comment stood out for its sharp tone. Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “‘Water Metro’ Ferry bolne logo ko kya sharam aati hai yaar." The remark questioned why such projects are called water metros instead of ferries. That comment prompted a detailed reply from a user in Kerala, who stepped in to explain the difference based on real experience.

Kerala User Breaks Down The Difference Clearly

Responding to the debate, the Kerala-based user explained how ferries and water metros work very differently in practice. He wrote, “Ferries are typically point to point services. You get on at a point (usually) cross a water body and then get off." According to him, ferries usually serve a single route and stop once the crossing is complete.

He then explained why Kochi’s system is called a water metro. “In Kochi, they call it a water metro because it actually behaves like a metro," he said. Unlike ferries, the service is access-controlled and designed like a transport network. The boats use rivers the way buses or trains use roads and tracks, with multiple stops along the route. He also pointed out that Kochi’s water metro connects with the city’s regular metro system, allowing passengers to switch between the two.

Kerala Runs More Than One Water Service

The user also added that Kerala already operates other types of boat services. “The differentiation is also because Kochi also operates other actual ferry services (called Jangar locally)," he explained. These are separate from the water metro and serve a different purpose.

He went on to mention a third kind of service common in the state. “Kerala also has a third type of service that is not categorised as ferries or water metros," he wrote. These are known as “Line" boat services and work like buses on water, stopping at several points across the backwaters. Such services are widely used in districts like Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Kottayam.

Unclear If Lucknow Will Follow The Same Model

Ending his explanation, the user added a note of caution. “Not sure if the proposed one at Lucknow works in a similar manner," he said, suggesting that the name alone does not explain how the system will function.

Shared on January 5, the post has crossed 3,000 views so far. A user commented, “Still waiting for NW-3 expansion to hit further up north till Bekal, although KSWTC is very slow at execution." Another wrote, “Good analysis. Nice response to ignorance/mockery."

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