The Maharashtra government is planning a water metro project in Mumbai, with assistance from Kochi Water Metro, which has been asked to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). Ports Minister Nitesh Rane confirmed that the DPR is expected by the end of April, and a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be formed with a fifty-fifty equity partnership with the Union government.

Mumbai, built on seven islands, has long underused its waterways. The water metro aims to ease pressure on roads and suburban railways, offering battery-powered ferry services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Proposed routes include Narangi-Kharwadeswari, Vasai-Mira Bhayander, Fountain Jetty-Gaimukh-Nagale, Kolset-Kalher-Mumbra-Kalyan, and connections to Gateway of India.

There are plans for 21 stations along the Vaitarna River, Vasai, Thane, Manori and Panvel creeks. The first phase will introduce the water metro, while the second phase will feature roll-on-roll-off (Ro-Ro) services. The system will address tidal variations of 3 to 3.5 m.

The project will promote multi-modal transport, improve last-mile connectivity and develop tourism circuits linking forts, bird-watching centres and religious sites. A terminal will be constructed near the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, which will also have a water taxi service.

Source: Press Trust of India