The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is preparing the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026 to plan, build and operate eco-friendly water-based public transport across the country. The guidelines will establish safety standards, promote clean travel and set parameters for zero and low-emission technology, standard rules, financing options and environmental safeguards. The effort aims to improve coordination between water transport and other modes while supporting urban mobility ambitions.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), which works under the Ministry, has initiated feasibility studies for urban Water Metro systems at eighteen locations, with studies for fifteen already complete. The sites named in the official release include Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore on the Gurupura River, the Gandhinagar–Ahmedabad corridor on the Sabarmati River, Alleppey, the Lakshadweep Islands and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These locations span twelve states and union territories and were identified in the MoPSW press release dated 21 February 2025.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been appointed to carry out the studies and to assess technical feasibility, required infrastructure and operational models. The studies will evaluate vessel requirements, terminal and berth design, integration with land transport and the financial viability of routes. The aim is to provide a standardised template for project preparation and to inform detailed project reports.

Four hybrid electric vessels are now operating in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna and Kolkata and one Hydrogen Fuel Cell vessel has been deployed in Varanasi under other ministry initiatives reported in the official public release on 31 July, 2026. The guidelines are intended to guide procurement, safety protocols and environmental impact assessment while encouraging low-emission propulsion and clean energy adoption. MoPSW will use the feasibility outcomes to prioritise corridors and support stakeholders in moving projects from study to implementation.