The State Government is seeking full Central funding for a proposed inland water transport scheme across Goa and expects the Detailed Project Report to be completed within four months. The River Navigation Department minister said the Centre had prioritised Goa for the DPR after a feasibility study and that Kochi Metro Rail Limited has been appointed to prepare the report given its prior experience. KMRL's managing director estimated the scheme would cost Rs 31 billion (bn) to Rs 32 billion (bn), a figure provided as the current project range while the DPR refines detailed estimates.

The initial phase is planned to cover 111 km across nine river routes and will involve approximately 32 terminals. The feasibility report identified locations proposed for the first phase, including Panaji, Betim, Divar, Chodan, Vanxim, Sarmanas, Narve, Aldona, Cortalim, Madkai, Adpai and Durbhat. Terminal locations have been chosen to balance commuter demand and connectivity to established settlements while allowing for integration with existing transport links.

Officials indicated that the scheme is intended to establish water based transport as an important daily commute option while also serving as a special tourist attraction, offering ease of travel and additional access points for visitors. The State expects improved river connectivity to ease movement between islands and shore towns and to complement road based services. The feasibility study conclusion has enabled the fast tracking of DPR preparation and closer coordination with the Centre on funding possibilities.

KMRL's prior implementation experience in a comparable project is expected to inform design, operations and safety standards for the Goa initiative and to help define cost, timeline and procurement parameters. The State reiterated its aim to secure one hundred per cent Central funding and to proceed with statutory clearances and stakeholder consultations once the DPR is submitted. The report will encompass operational projections, terminal design considerations and integration plans to guide implementation and future service planning.