From Varanasi To Srinagar, Water Metro Services In 18 Cities Soon

Three years after the successful rollout of the Kochi Water Metro, the Centre is now preparing to expand water-based urban transport services to 18 more cities across the country.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting on the proposed expansion and said the government has advanced plans to launch Water Metro systems in multiple cities under a phased rollout.

Under Phase I, cities including Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj have been identified for the introduction of Water Metro services. In Assam, Tezpur and Dibrugarh are proposed under Phase II.

The Centre is simultaneously pushing ahead with the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, which has been circulated

for inter-ministerial consultations and is expected to create a formal national framework for urban water transport systems.

Highlighting the rationale behind the initiative, Sonowal said Water Metro systems are far less capital-intensive than conventional metro projects as they make use of existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure requirements.

“With faster construction timelines, lower land requirements, and reduced operational costs — particularly through electric and hybrid ferries — the system offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional urban transport,” Sonowal said. “These services will help reduce congestion in cities while providing a comfortable, scenic and smoother commuting experience.”

The proposed rollout builds on the operational experience of the Kochi Water Metro and aims to transform inland waterways into sustainable public transport corridors. The initiative is designed not only for daily commuters but also to boost tourism in cities with navigable waterways.

According to the Ministry, Water Metro projects will be prioritised in cities with continuous or semi-continuous waterways, populations above one million, and strong transport demand, especially in tourism corridors. However, the criteria may be relaxed for projects that significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity to remote or water-locked regions, or enhance flood resilience.

The proposed system will follow a comprehensive ecosystem approach, including standardised vessel design, terminals, pontoons, charging and bunkering infrastructure, passenger facilities and navigational aids. The government is also focusing on indigenisation in vessel construction and seamless integration with existing public transport systems.

Multiple funding models are being explored, including joint Centre-state funding, fully state-funded projects, public-private partnerships (PPP), and fully Centre-funded models. The Ministry said cost optimisation and operational efficiency would remain key to ensuring long-term financial viability.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) had entrusted Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) with conducting feasibility studies for 18 cities in February 2025. The studies include assessments of existing transport systems, travel demand, financial viability and multimodal integration.

Site visits for all 18 proposed locations have already been completed, while draft feasibility reports have been submitted for 17 cities. Feasibility reports for Srinagar, Patna, Guwahati, Varanasi and Ayodhya have already been approved.

Sonowal said the larger goal of the project was to create world-class, sustainable mobility systems that enhance both urban transport and the identity of cities. “Water Metro projects should enhance the beauty, reputation and legacy of cities while delivering mobility solutions comparable to global standards,” he said.