Transforming water weeds into biofuels: Kochi Water Metro unveils plan

As Kerala strives towards a sustainable future, the Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) has revealed plans to combat the problem of aquatic weeds in the water by converting water hyacinths into biofuels and lead the way in sustainable transportation.

As per reports, the KWML has initiated preliminary discussions with a private firm based in Kalamassery to explore the feasibility of using harvested water hyacinths as biofuel in industrial operations.

The overgrowth of aquatic weeds—especially water hyacinths—has severely impacted the smooth operation of water transport in Kochi. These invasive plants have choked several waterways, hindering the speedy movement of Water Metro in the metropolitan. In response, KWML has procured a weed harvester to clear large patches of infestation. The focus is particularly along the Vyttila-Kakkanad and High Court-Chittoor routes of the water metro.

However, the disposal of vast amounts of collected weeds posed a logistical challenge. The KWML has identified an opportunity to repurpose the harvested weeds as a sustainable biofuel source for industrial units informed CEO Sajan P. John.

Given the volume of weeds collected daily and limited storage capacity, the harvested hyacinths must be swiftly transported to processing sites for immediate use as fuel material.

In 2024, Water Metro operations were severely disrupted when two barges operated by FACT became entangled in dense weed cover in the Kaniyampuzha stretch of the Chambakkara canal. Beyond aquatic vegetation, solid waste—particularly plastic bags—also poses serious threats. Multiple incidents have been reported of plastic debris getting entangled in boat propellers, causing service delays and equipment damage.

Metro operators across the country are striving for sustainability through multiple efforts including harnessing green energy. Besides rooftop solar by many, The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is developing a 1.5-TPD biomethanation plant to convert tonnes of municipal organic wet waste into electricity on everyday basis. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) had set a target to source 40% of its power requirements from solar energy.