Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Centre planning to introduce Water Metro services in 18 cities across the country. Among the cities identified in the Phase 1 of the project are Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, while Assam’s Tezpur and Dibrugarh are proposed for the second phase.
The proposed systems are expected to reduce road congestion in densely populated urban centres while providing commuters with smoother, more comfortable travel.
The Water Metro projects are being planned as integrated public transport systems catering to both daily commuters and tourists.
According to the Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Ministry, cities with navigable waterways, strong commuter demand, and populations exceeding one million will receive priority.
However, the criteria may be relaxed for projects that improve connectivity in remote or water-locked regions, reduce congestion, or strengthen flood resilience.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India had entrusted Kochi Metro Rail Limited with conducting feasibility studies for 18 cities in February 2025.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Guwahati recently, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had said the initiative builds on the experience and success of the Kochi Water Metro and seeks to provide an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to conventional urban transport systems.
“The proposed Water Metro systems are significantly less capital-intensive as they utilise existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure. With faster construction timelines, lower land requirements, and reduced operational costs, especially through electric and hybrid ferries, the system offers a viable and environmentally sustainable transport solution,” the minister said.
The Ministry has proposed standardising vessel design, terminals, charging infrastructure, and safety protocols, while encouraging indigenous vessel construction and seamless multimodal connectivity.
Sonowal emphasised that states would also be consulted on the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, to ensure wider participation and incorporation of regional requirements.