more-in KOCHI: The Smart City components entrusted with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which is responsible for implementing four out of around 100 projects, are either in the implementation stage or about to be launched, according to KMRL sources. As regards the Kochi Smart City project, the firm was entrusted with the water transport project, launch of smart cards and mobile applications, and Hospital Road upgrade. The consultant for the ?747-crore water metro project will be selected by March. Three agencies have been short-listed for the job after inviting global tenders. The agency will be responsible for the design and implementation of the project, sources said. The water metro has been conceived as part of an integrated transportation model. Kochi is the first city in the country where water transport will be integrated as a feeder service to the metro. The project envisages the development of 16 identified routes, connecting 10 islands along a network of routes that span 76 km with a fleet of 78 fast, fuel-efficient, air-conditioned ferries plying to 38 jetties, according to project documents. More than 1 lakh islanders are expected to benefit from the water metro project.

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