Water metro set for national push as govt weighs policy framework, dedicated law
As the Centre plans to expand water metros across Indian cities, Kochi's model is emerging as the blueprint. But experts say a dedicated law, policy and manufacturing ecosystem are crucial.
THE Indian government is advancing a national rollout of water-based urban transit by formulating the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026, targeting an expansion modelled after the Kochi Water Metro across 18 to 21 cities.
Policy Framework and Objectives are formulated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to govern eco-friendly water transport.
It focuses on low-emission and zero-emission vessels, standardising safety rules, and building charging infrastructure.
The guidelines are backed by a proposed ₹9,200+ crore central scheme running through 2036–2037.
Implementation and rollout feasibility studies were conducted by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) across 18 key locations (with 15 completed).
Phase I cities include major urban and religious hubs like Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
Phase II proposes extending operations to regional hubs like Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam.
Vessel deployments: Hybrid-electric boats and hydrogen fuel cell prototypes are already active in select river routes like Varanasi and Ayodhya.
