New Delhi, May 18: The Indian government is making strides towards launching water metro services in 18 cities across the country. This ambitious national project prioritizes Guwahati in its first phase, aiming to transform inland waterways into sustainable urban transport corridors.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced on Monday that the ministry has circulated a draft of the National Water Metro Policy, 2026, for inter-ministerial consultation. This policy reflects the government’s intention to establish a formal national framework for water-based urban transport systems.
In addition to Guwahati, cities such as Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj have been earmarked for the first phase of the project. Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam are proposed for the second phase.
During a high-level review meeting, Sonowal stated that this initiative is based on the experience and success of the Kochi Water Metro. It aims to provide an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional urban transport systems.
He explained that the proposed water metro systems will utilize existing waterways, requiring minimal civil infrastructure, which significantly reduces capital consumption. The construction time is shorter, land requirements are lower, and operational costs are minimized, especially with electric and hybrid boats. This system offers a viable and environmentally friendly transport solution.
Sonowal noted that the proposed systems are expected to alleviate road congestion in densely populated urban centers while providing passengers with a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.
Metro projects are being designed as integrated public transport systems to meet the needs of both daily commuters and tourists. The ministry has proposed standardizing boat design, terminals, charging infrastructure, and safety protocols while promoting indigenous boat manufacturing and seamless multimodal connectivity.
Sonowal emphasized that states will be consulted on the draft of the National Water Metro Policy to ensure broad participation and incorporate regional needs.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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