Kolkata’s metro system claims the title of being India’s first and the oldest metro transit system, beginning operations way back in 1984. Now, the city has added another feather to its cap by introducing a different kind of metro – one that runs on its waters! While Kolkata Electric Water Metro, ‘Dheu’, was launched in January 2026, it is now making waves (pun intended) for its innovation and efficiency.
Keep reading to know more about this new mode of transport that’s about to change how folks of Kolkata commute.
Kolkata Electric Water Metro On The Hooghly River
Launch Of Kolkata Electric Water Metro
Kolkata saw the launch of ‘Dheu’, an electric water metro system where the name ‘Dheu’ literally translates to a ‘wave’ in Bangla.
While the water metro launched about six months ago, the people of Kolkata are newly discovering this fascinating mode of transport, and it has seen a considerable rise in popularity in the last few months.
The Kolkata Electric Water Metro is a one-of-its-kind electric ferry running between different tourist and local attractions along the Hooghly River.
The electric vessel has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Kolkata Electric Water Metro: Features, Prices, And Route
The 24-meter vessel is powered by a 246 KW per hour liquid-cooled energy storage solution that makes energy usage more efficient. Plus, it has twin screw propellers that give more manoeuvrability to the vessel.
With a catamaran aluminium hull, the ‘green’ vessel can achieve a top speed of 10 knots. Plus, what makes this vessel truly ‘green’ is how it uses solar panels on the exterior for its energy supply.
This Kolkata Electric Water Metro, Dheu, was built at a cost of INR 13.5 crore and is a product of masterful innovation designed in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur. The result is a sleek, modern, and energy-efficient vessel that’s capable of ferrying 150 passengers along the Hooghly River.
When it comes to passenger comfort, the electric vessel has been designed ergonomically to fit 150 passengers at once. With both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned spaces, passengers can choose between either of the two.
The journey of Dheu will begin from Millennium Park and will tour passengers for about 2 hours. During this 2-hour journey, passengers will get to witness iconic Kolkata monuments like the Howrah Bridge, Dakshineshwar Temple, Bally Bridge, and Belur Math.
The AC tickets cost INR 300 per person and non-AC ones cost INR 200 per person, making it a reasonably-priced way of hanging out along the Hooghly River.
While this electric water metro is not suitable for daily commute owing to the high per person charges, it can be a great option for a weekend getaway in the city. Especially for families, students, and travelers looking to explore Kolkata’s major tourist attractions.
GRSE Chairman And Managing Director About The Kolkata Electric Water Metro
GRSE claims that this vessel is the largest and fastest fully electric ferry in India. Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE Commodore PR Hari in a statement said: “Team GRSE is proud to have designed and built the largest and fastest fully electric ferry of our nation.
I am also happy that GRSE is playing an important role in the efforts of our nation towards achieving ‘net-zero’ emission through the construction of this vessel and also the other ‘green’ vessel projects in hand.
I am confident that ‘Dheu’ shall sail safely and smoothly on the Hooghly River”.
Summing Up
With the launch and slow success of the Kolkata Electric Water Metro, the future of clean, green, and efficient public transport looks promising.
The ‘green’ water metro will make touring some of the significant tourist attractions in Kolkata an even more enjoyable experience.
Will you try this electric water metro when in Kolkata?
Let us know about your experience!
