Inspired by the success of the Kochi Water Metro, Chennai is planning to introduce a similar service between Kovalam and Napier Bridge, covering a distance of 53 km.
The project aims to transform urban
travel while unlocking the tourism potential of the city’s waterways.
As per The Hindu, the Water Resources Department (WRD) will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to assess feasibility, costs, and execution. Ten other waterways across Tamil Nadu are also being identified for tourism development.
How Will It Work?
The proposed route will run along the Buckingham Canal. The first step involves restoring and desilting the stretch between Cooum (Napier Bridge) and Kovalam. This includes:
- Setting up sewage treatment plants along the canal
- Installing water quality monitoring and aeration systems
- Implementing an efficient water management system
The estimated cost of canal restoration and Water Metro operations is between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore, with funding sources to be finalised soon.
Why is it Important?
Officials believe this project will do more than just improve urban transport. Restoring the canal will:
- Help mitigate flooding by improving water flow
- Boost tourism potential with scenic water routes
- Allow treated water to be used for industries, generating revenue to cover maintenance costs.
What’s Next?
A formal proposal will be submitted shortly, after which the WRD will begin work on the DPR. If all goes as planned, the report could be ready within a year, paving the way for construction to begin.
