Anchoring the Future: Kolkata’s ₹22K-Cr Water Metro Push

West Bengal is set to join India’s growing network of water metro cities, with plans announced to introduce a modern river-based transit system in Kolkata. The move is expected to significantly strengthen urban mobility and inland waterways connectivity across the Kolkata metropolitan region.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the state secretariat on June 4, 2026, following discussions between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and state officials on enhancing West Bengal’s maritime infrastructure and positioning the state as a key maritime hub in eastern India.

The proposed Kolkata Water Metro project will be developed under the Sagarmala 2.0 programme and will include the construction and modernization of jetties, terminals, and supporting infrastructure. Authorities are preparing project proposals worth approximately ₹22,700 crore for implementation over the next five years, covering coastal fishing infrastructure, island development, inland waterways, and other maritime initiatives.

According to officials, the water metro system is expected to gradually modernize and streamline commuter transport across the Hooghly River by integrating and upgrading existing ferry operations between Kolkata and Howrah. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project is expected to be commissioned in the coming months.

Once implemented, Kolkata will become the 18th city in India to adopt the water metro model, which has emerged as an efficient and sustainable mode of urban transport in cities with extensive waterways.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to improve multimodal connectivity, promote sustainable transportation, and drive maritime-led economic growth in West Bengal. By leveraging the state's extensive river network, the project is expected to enhance daily commuting, reduce road congestion, and support long-term urban and economic development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.