India Plans Water Metro in 18 Cities Across the Country

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has announced plans to develop a Water Metro transport system in 18 cities across India.

In the first phase, cities such as Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj will be included in the project.

In the second phase, the system will be expanded to cities like Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam.

The initiative is inspired by the success of the Kochi Water Metro, aiming to develop inland waterways into efficient and sustainable transport corridors.

According to the ministry, Water Metro systems require lower capital investment as they utilize existing waterways with minimal infrastructure development.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that the system is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and helps reduce urban traffic congestion.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited to conduct feasibility studies in all 18 cities.

So far, site visits have been completed in all locations, and draft feasibility reports have been submitted for 17 cities, while the Lakshadweep report is still pending.