Latest update:06 January 2026 at 12:58 IST

X Controversy over naming a river transport project as a ‘water metro’ has led to a clear explanation from a Kerala user.

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

A post on X recently caught attention after it talked about a possible water metro project in Lucknow. “Lucknow may soon get a water metro on Gomti river as Yogi government reviews feasibility and expansion plans,” the post read, and was shared with photos showing boats on a wide river, modern stations along its banks, and city buildings in the background. The photos sparked curiosity and discussion among users online.

Shortly after, one comment stood out because of its harsh tone. Responding to the post, one user wrote: “‘Water Metro’ Ferry slogan bolne ko ko kya sharam aati hai yaar.” The statement questioned why such projects were called water metro instead of ferries. This comment prompted a detailed response from a user in Kerala, who chimed in to explain the difference based on real experience.

Kerala user clearly breaks down the difference

Responding to the discussion, the Kerala-based user explained how ferries and metros work very differently in practice. He wrote: “Ferries are usually point-to-point services. They embark at a point (usually) cross a body of water and then descend.” According to him, ferries usually serve one route and stop once the crossing is completed.

He then explained why the Kochi system is called the Water Metro. “In Kochi, they call it the water metro because it actually behaves like a metro,” he said. Unlike ferries, the service is access controlled and designed like a transit network. Boats use rivers in the same way that buses or trains use roads and tracks, with multiple stops along the way. He also noted that the Kochi Water Metro connects to the city’s regular metro system, allowing commuters to switch between the two.

Kerala operates more than one water service

The user also added that Kerala already runs other types of boating services. “The distinction is also because Kochi also runs other physical ferry services (called Jangar locally),” he explained. It is separate from the water metro and serves a different purpose.

He went on to mention a third type of service common in the state. “Kerala also has a third type of service that is not classified as ferries or water tubes,” he wrote. These are known as ‘linear’ boat services and operate like buses on water, stopping at several points across remote areas. These services are widely used in areas like Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Kottayam.

It is unclear whether Lucknow will follow the same model

At the end of his explanation, the user added a warning note. “I’m not sure if the system proposed in Lucknow works in a similar way,” he said, noting that the name alone does not explain how the system will work.

The post was shared on January 5, and has crossed 3,000 views so far. “We are still waiting for the NW-3 expansion to reach as far north as Bekal, although KSWTC is very slow in implementation,” one user commented. Another wrote: “Good analysis. Nice response to ignorance/cynicism.”

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