Charting a Greener Course: The Mumbai Water Metro Takes Flight

Devendra Fadnavis recently said the proposed Mumbai Water Metro project will usher in a new era of modern and sustainable water transport in India. The initiative aims to introduce ferry services that will help ease traffic congestion across Mumbai and nearby regions.

The Chief Minister said the Maharashtra government is committed to developing an environmentally friendly and sustainable water transport network to address the growing mobility needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He noted that the state has been working on the concept of sustainable water transport for nearly a decade and has prepared a comprehensive infrastructure plan for Mumbai.

Fadnavis made the remarks after the Maharashtra Maritime Board signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyke AS, a Norway-based maritime technology company, for the implementation of the Mumbai Water Metro project.

According to an official release, the agreement focuses on supplying advanced vessels for the project while also exploring the establishment of shipbuilding facilities in Maharashtra.

“Effective utilisation of waterways in a metropolitan city like Mumbai will help reduce pressure on existing transport systems. Demand for sustainable water transport is expected to grow rapidly across the country in the coming years,” Fadnavis said.

The project is expected to reduce congestion on road and rail networks by making better use of coastal and creek routes across the MMR. The Chief Minister added that the Mumbai model could become a blueprint for other Indian cities seeking to develop sustainable urban transport systems.

Nitesh Rane said the project represents a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s maritime development and that collaboration with an international company like Hyke AS would strengthen port development, shipbuilding and maritime skill development in the state.

The release further stated that a detailed project report (DPR) for the Water Metro project in the MMR has been prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd..

The DPR proposes the upgradation of 24 terminals across 21 existing water transport routes and the construction of 21 terminals on 10 new routes within the MMR.

Hyke AS, which specialises in modern vessels designed for urban water transport, has also expressed interest in establishing shipbuilding facilities in Maharashtra, according to the release.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.