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The first phase of the project will cover Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, followed by Tezpur and Dibrugarh in the second phase.<\/p>\n
\nThe Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Monday, May 18, that the draft National Water Metro Policy had been sent for inter-ministerial consultations as the government moves to scale up inland water transport as an alternative to congested road networks.
It was reviewed by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday.<\/p>\n
“The proposed water metro systems are significantly less capital-intensive as they utilise existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure,” PTI quoted Sonowal as saying.<\/p>\n
The initiative builds on the model of the Kochi Water Metro, which uses electric ferries integrated with urban transit systems.<\/p>\n
The ministry said the projects would use existing waterways and require less civil infrastructure than conventional metro rail systems, helping lower construction and operational costs. Officials said electric and hybrid ferries would also make the system more environmentally sustainable.<\/p>\n
According to Sonowal, the projects would target cities with navigable waterways, populations above one million and strong commuter or tourism demand. However, exceptions could be made for regions where water transport improves connectivity or eases traffic congestion.<\/p>\n
The Inland Waterways Authority of India has appointed Kochi Metro Rail Limited to conduct feasibility studies for all 18 locations.<\/p>\n
Site visits have been completed, while draft feasibility reports for 17 cities have already been submitted.<\/p>\n
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