World Athletics Legend Ben Johnson Visits Kochi Water Metro, Calls It “Absolutely Amazing”
Kochi: World Athletics legend and Olympic medalist Ben Johnson experienced Kerala’s pioneering urban water transport system — the Kochi Water Metro — during his visit to Kochi on Tuesday. Impressed by the innovative initiative, Johnson described the journey as “absolutely amazing.”
Ben Johnson, who etched his name in global sporting history with Olympic medals in the 100-metre sprint, arrived in Kochi as part of his Kerala visit. Keen to explore one of the city’s modern infrastructure marvels, he chose to travel via the Kochi Water Metro.
Johnson undertook a one-hour journey on the High Court Terminal–Fort Kochi route, enjoying the scenic beauty of Kochi’s backwaters. He praised the smooth, comfortable, and seamless travel experience, particularly highlighting the vessel’s stability and vibration-free movement, even while passing through narrow stretches such as Olapparap. He described the engineering and design of the Water Metro as highly impressive.
The athletics legend arrived at the Water Metro terminal at 3.50 pm, where he was warmly received by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) Managing Director Shri Loknath Behera. The Managing Director briefed Johnson on the concept, technology, operations, and sustainability features of the Kochi Water Metro, emphasizing its role in enhancing urban mobility while protecting the fragile backwater ecosystem.
As a special gesture, Shri Loknath Behera presented Ben Johnson with a copy of “Vanchi to Metro”, a book that chronicles the evolution of Kochi’s transport system from traditional watercraft to modern metro connectivity.
Following the interaction, Johnson continued his journey along the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry routes, taking in panoramic views of the backwaters and Kochi’s iconic heritage landmarks. He expressed admiration for the city’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure.
The journey was accompanied by noted cartoonist and Cartoon Academy Chairman Sudheer Nath, Adithya Revi Deece, Water Metro Chief Operating Officer Shri Sajan P. John, Fleet Manager Shri Pradeep Karthikeyan, KMRL Chief General Manager Shri Shaji Janardhan, Senior Deputy General Manager (Public Relations & Social Media) Shri K.K. Jayakumar, Manager Shri Jaya Shankar, and other senior officials.
Ben Johnson’s visit once again highlights the Kochi Water Metro’s growing international appeal as a sustainable, world-class urban transport system and a proud symbol of Kerala’s innovative public infrastructure.
By:- Praveen shivalingaiah
