The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has awarded a prestigious Collaborative Research Project under the Vision Viksit Bharat@2047 initiative to Jain Deemed-to-be University, Kochi, and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). This significant project will focus on the Kochi Water Metro, a pioneering inland water-based urban transportation solution for smart cities, positioning it as a model for sustainable urban transport.
The project will be led by Dr. Girish S. Pathy, Project Director and Associate Professor at CMS Business School, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Kochi Campus. The multidisciplinary research team includes Dr. Hareesh N. Ramanathan, Associate Professor of Business Management, School of Industrial Fisheries, CUSAT; Dr. Simmy Kurian, Deputy Director, CMS Business School, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Kochi Campus; Dr. Rajesh, Associate Professor, Department of Ship Technology, CUSAT; Dr. AV Shibu, Assistant Professor, School of Industrial Fisheries, CUSAT; and Dr. Moonu John, Head of CMS Business School, Jain Deemed-to-be University, Kochi Campus.
This collaborative team, bringing together expertise in management, fisheries, and ship technology, will conduct a comprehensive study on the Kochi Water Metro. The research will focus on several critical areas including community accessibility and inclusivity, stakeholders’ perceptions and attitudes, and the economic sustainability of the water metro system. Additionally, the project will include a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the Kochi Water Metro system.
The project has been granted ₹17,00,000 by ICSSR to support the research team’s efforts. This funding underscores the importance of their work in exploring innovative inland water-based transportation solutions for smart cities.
“This collaboration between two leading institutions reflects the growing need for interdisciplinary research to address contemporary urban challenges and advance India’s vision for 2047,” said Dr. Girish S. Pathy.
This initiative aligns with the national agenda of Vision Viksit Bharat@2047, aimed at fostering innovative solutions to modern urban challenges and contributing to India’s long-term development goals.
