Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has directed officials to submit a development plan for the proposed Mumbai Water Metro within three months, urging swift action on what is expected to become a key alternative transport system for the city.

The directive follows the submission of a feasibility study by Kerala-based Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which was tasked with preparing a survey report for the initiative. The Rs 2.5 billion project aims to improve urban mobility by connecting key waterfront locations such as Bandra, Worli, Versova, south Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai.

Rane emphasised that routes with maximum commuter benefit must be prioritised, while ensuring affordable ticket pricing to encourage adoption. “The water metro will offer seamless connections between the suburbs and city centre, including links between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai,” he stated.

He added that terminals and jetties should be developed on the lines of metro stations and integrated with other modes of transport for commuter convenience.

According to the KMRL report, the proposed plan includes 29 terminals and 10 routes, alongside passenger facilities and boat procurement. Rane stressed the importance of considering Mumbai’s vast water transport potential during planning, stating, “Work on the water metro must begin as soon as possible.”