After Kochi’s Success, India Plans Water Metro Services Across 18 More Cities

Kochi, located in the beautiful state of Kerala, is celebrated as one of India's most artistic towns. With its vibrant streets in Fort Kochi, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and rich cultural heritage, Kochi attracts millions of visitors every year. However, there's a unique offering that sets this charming town apart from the rest of the country: the Kochi Water Metro services.

In December 2021, Kochi became the first city in India to launch a water metro project with the introduction of its first electric battery boat, named 'Muziris.' This milestone is part of a broader initiative involving 23 such eco-friendly boats being manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The success of the Kochi Water Metro has paved the way for similar projects across India, with the government now planning to expand water metro services to 18 additional cities.

Water Metro To Expand In Cities In Srinagar, Patna, And Varanasi

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently chaired a review meeting regarding this exciting rollout. The cities set to benefit include Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj - all earmarked for Phase I. Meanwhile, proposals have been made for Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam to be included in Phase II.

The Ministry is also circulating the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, to gather input from various ministries. This policy aims to establish a national framework for urban water transport, building on the successes and lessons learned from Kochi's experience.

The plan is ambitious yet practical, seeking to convert inland waterways into efficient and sustainable public transport options. This initiative offers various advantages, as Union Minister Sonowal pointed out. Water metro systems are significantly less capital-intensive, leveraging existing waterways with minimal construction needed. Besides promoting eco-friendly transport through electric and hybrid ferries, this service aims to alleviate urban congestion and provide smooth, scenic journeys for commuters.

Sonowal also highlighted the importance of consulting state governments on the Draft National Water Metro Policy to incorporate their insights. The envisioned water metro aims to serve both daily commuters and tourists, making the most of the navigable waterways that many cities possess.

Overall Framework For Metro Services Is Ready And Sent To Various Departments

The planning for these metro projects will prioritize regions with suitable geographic features and cities with populations exceeding one million, particularly those in tourist hotspots. However, there is flexibility to adapt these criteria if they can significantly reduce road congestion or enhance connectivity in remote areas.

The overall development framework will take an integrated approach, covering everything from vessels and jetties to passenger amenities and navigational aids. Various funding models are also being explored, including joint Centre-State funding and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), ensuring the long-term sustainability of these projects.

As part of the feasibility studies conducted for 18 cities, conducted by Kochi Metro Rail Limited has been made. The assessments include travel demand estimation and financial viability checks. So far, site visits have been completed for all locations, and draft reports for 17 cities have been submitted.

The future of water-based urban mobility looks promising, and Kochi is leading the way!

Summing Up

The success of the Kochi Water Metro has inspired the Indian government to expand similar eco-friendly urban water transport systems to 18 more cities across the country. Introduced in 2021 with electric battery-powered ferries, the project has emerged as a model for sustainable and cost-effective public mobility.

FAQs

1. What is the Kochi Water Metro?

The Kochi Water Metro is India’s first urban transport system to integrate water travel, using electric battery-powered ferries. It was inaugurated in December 2021 in Kochi, Kerala.

2. Why is the Kochi Water Metro considered significant?

It's a sustainable, cost-effective public transport solution that reduces traffic congestion, lowers pollution, and uses existing waterways.

3. Which cities are anticipated to receive Water Metro services?

Phase I includes cities like Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Guwahati. Additional cities may be added in Phase II.