Goa is exploring a larger role for its waterways in public transport, with a proposed 111 km inland water network across nine routes moving ahead as a Water Metro system. The initiative is intended to offer an alternative to road travel and strengthen connectivity across the state. Authorities view the project as a way to make better use of existing waterways for passenger movement.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has completed a feasibility study and has begun preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposal. The River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai informed the Goa Legislative Assembly about the progress while responding to an unstarred question from the MLA Yuri Alemao, the news agency PTI reported. The DPR preparation follows the feasibility assessment and will guide subsequent planning stages.

The DPR will examine how the proposed Water Metro could influence the existing transport system, including effects on road congestion, vehicle movement, fuel consumption, travel time and carbon emissions. A detailed traffic and transport study is expected to quantify potential reductions in travel time and emissions and to model shifts in passenger demand from road to water. Findings are intended to help the state assess the extent to which waterways can alleviate pressure on road networks.

The final cost of the project has not been determined and the River Navigation Department has indicated that a realistic estimate will be known only after DPR submission. The funding structure, including central assistance and the state government’s share, will be decided once the DPR is finalised. Officials have said the DPR will form the basis for budgetary and implementation decisions.

The proposed inland water transport network will cover nine routes spanning 111 km and aims to improve connectivity between different areas. The proposal gained momentum in June when the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways included the scheme in the Phase I implementation priority, the ministry indicated. The plan sits alongside the centre’s Rs 20 billion (bn) maritime plan and the DPR is expected to determine the project’s feasibility and funding arrangements.