Kochi Success Goes National: 18 Cities to Get Water Metros

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has circulated the draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026 for inter-ministerial consultations, marking a key step toward expanding sustainable water-based urban transport systems across India.

The proposed policy aims to establish a framework for introducing water metro services in 18 cities nationwide, drawing inspiration from the successful Kochi Water Metro model. The initiative seeks to utilise existing inland waterways to reduce capital expenditure, shorten project implementation timelines, and ease traffic congestion in urban areas.

Sarbananda Sonowal stated that Phase I of the programme will focus on Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, while Phase II will include Tezpur and Dibrugarh.

The draft policy proposes standardised vessel designs, terminal infrastructure, and safety protocols, while encouraging the deployment of electric and hybrid ferries to support environmentally sustainable urban mobility.

Feasibility studies being conducted by Kochi Metro Rail Limited are nearing completion, with site visits conducted across all 18 proposed locations and reports already approved for five Phase I cities. The policy prioritises navigable tourism corridors with populations exceeding one million, although exceptions may be considered for remote and flood-resilient transport corridors. Multiple funding mechanisms for the initiative are currently under evaluation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.