The Central government is preparing a major expansion of water-based public transport across India, with plans to launch Water Metro services in 18 cities under a new national policy framework. Inspired by the success of the Kochi Water Metro, the Centre has already circulated the Draft National Water Metro Policy 2026 for consultation with ministries and state governments.
Kochi Water Metro Model To Go National
The proposed rollout is largely based on the operational success of the Kochi Water Metro, India’s first integrated water-based urban transit system. The government now wants to replicate this model in cities with navigable rivers, lakes, and waterways to reduce traffic congestion and improve sustainable urban mobility.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Water Metro systems are less capital-intensive because they utilize existing waterways with minimal land acquisition and civil infrastructure.
Which Cities Are Included?
The first phase of the rollout will reportedly include cities such as Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj. Assam cities like Tezpur and Dibrugarh are planned for the second phase.
Reports also indicate feasibility studies have been conducted for cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Goa, Kolkata, Mangaluru, Kollam, Alappuzha, Cuttack, and Chilika.
What The Water Metro Will Include
The proposed Water Metro ecosystem will include:
- Electric and hybrid ferries
- Floating pontoons and jetties
- Passenger terminals
- Charging infrastructure
- Navigation and safety systems
- Integration with metro, rail, and bus networks
The government also plans to standardize vessel design, passenger safety systems, and operational infrastructure across cities.
Green And Affordable Urban Transport
Officials say the Water Metro initiative can become one of India’s most environmentally friendly urban transport systems. Electric and hybrid ferries are expected to reduce fuel costs, traffic congestion, and urban pollution significantly.
The government also believes water transport can improve connectivity in remote and flood-prone regions while offering scenic transport options for tourists and daily commuters alike.
Multiple Funding Models Being Considered
The Centre is evaluating several funding approaches for the projects, including:
- Joint Centre-State funding
- Fully state-funded projects
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models
- Fully Centre-funded systems
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) had earlier assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited to conduct feasibility studies for the 18 cities. Draft reports for 17 locations are already complete.
Focus On Local Identity
Interestingly, the government also wants Water Metro terminals and infrastructure to reflect local culture, heritage, and architecture rather than following a completely uniform design approach nationwide.
Summary
The Centre is planning Water Metro services in 18 Indian cities under the Draft National Water Metro Policy 2026, inspired by the success of the Kochi Water Metro. The projects will use electric and hybrid ferries integrated with existing transport systems to reduce congestion and pollution. Phase-I cities include Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, an
