Maharashtra ports minister Nitesh Rane announced plans for a water metro in Mumbai, modeled after Kochi’s eco-friendly system. A detailed project report is expected soon, with battery-powered ferries set to connect parts of the Mumbai metropolitan region to ease road and rail traffic
Nitish Rane. File Pic
The Maharashtra government has begun planning the launch of a water metro service in Mumbai, with assistance from Kochi Water Metro officials, according to PTI. Ports Minister Nitesh Rane stated that Kochi, home to India's first water metro system, has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for Mumbai. The DPR is expected to be submitted by the end of the month.
As per PTI, Rane revealed that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be established to implement the project, in partnership with the Union government on a 50:50 equity basis. He noted that while Mumbai is a city made up of seven islands, its waterways have remained vastly underused. The proposed water metro aims to ease the strain on Mumbai’s congested roads and suburban railway network, while also offering a boost to tourism.
"The water metro will enhance urban transport and offer scenic, eco-friendly commuting options across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)," Rane said, as per PTI. The system will operate using battery-powered ferries to connect various key locations, much like Kochi's model launched in December 2023.
PTI reports that several routes have already been proposed, including Narangi-Kharwadeswari, Vasai-Mira Bhayander, Fountain Jetty-Gaimukh-Nagale, Kolset-Kalher-Mumbra-Kalyan, and Vashi-Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) also known as Bhaucha Dhakka. Other routes are expected to link locations such as the Gateway of India, Airoli, Mulund, Mandwa, and Nariman Point.
According to Rane, 21 station locations have been identified along the Vaitarna River, Vasai, Thane, Manori and Panvel creeks, as well as Mumbai Port Trust waters. The initial phase will see the launch of the water metro, while a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) service will follow in the second phase. The system will be designed to handle tidal variations of 3 to 3.5 metres.
Highlighting the project's broader ambitions, Rane mentioned that a multi-modal integration approach would be implemented, with improved access roads being part of the development plan. He pointed out that many of the proposed routes currently lack a formal passenger transport system.
In addition to easing commutes, the initiative is expected to strengthen the tourism sector. A tourism circuit connecting forts, bird-watching centres, religious sites, and water-themed parks may also be developed. "We will have to regularly clean the water bodies to maintain the service," Rane added, according to PTI.
The ports minister also referred to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, stating that it would be the first in India to feature a water taxi service. A terminal for the water metro will be built nearby, he said. A meeting involving CIDCO, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), and the state ports ministry is scheduled soon to finalise plans and prepare the DPR.
(With inputs from PTI)
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