Chennai's Water Metro: A New Wave of Urban Mobility

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is exploring the development of a Water Metro system as part of the city’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan, drawing inspiration from the successful model implemented in Kochi.

The proposed 53-km corridor would link East Coast Road to Napier Bridge via Chennai’s coastal and inland waterways. The project envisions the use of electric or hybrid ferries, with a feasibility study currently underway to evaluate navigability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

A previous initiative to utilize segments of National Waterway 4 (NW-4) for public transport was shelved due to operational challenges. However, officials now emphasize the importance of integrating the Water Metro with the city’s existing metro rail and bus networks, alongside ongoing river restoration efforts. The use of low-draft vessels and customised terminals is being considered to enable navigation through shallow stretches.

If the Chennai Water Metro gains traction, it could also revive interest in leveraging the broader 1,078-km NW-4, which spans Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. The initiative aims to enhance urban mobility while also boosting tourism and promoting sustainable, multimodal transport solutions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.