Guwahati Shortlisted For National Water Metro Phase One

22 May 2026 CW Team

Modelled on the Kochi Water Metro, the initiative seeks to convert navigable waterways into modern, sustainable urban transport corridors that use electric and hybrid ferries. The minister said that the systems are significantly less capital intensive because they make use of existing waterways and require minimal civil infrastructure, leading to faster construction timelines and lower land requirements. Reduced operational costs were cited as a further advantage.

The proposed ecosystem will include ferries, terminals, jetties, charging infrastructure, navigational aids and passenger facilities, with emphasis on electric and hybrid propulsion systems. The minister indicated that the projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity and provide a smoother commuting experience while also enhancing tourism potential in river based cities. Cities with continuous or semi continuous waterways, high commuter demand and populations above one million will be prioritised, although exceptions may be considered to improve access to remote areas or strengthen resilience during floods and disruptions.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India had entrusted Kochi Metro Rail Limited with conducting feasibility studies for 18 cities earlier this year and draft feasibility reports for Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi and Ayodhya have been accepted. The Centre is exploring multiple funding models, including Centre-State partnerships, public-private partnership models and fully government funded initiatives to support implementation. Officials continue to refine technical standards and operational plans as consultations proceed.

The Centre has shortlisted Guwahati for Phase One of a proposed nationwide Water Metro network, with Tezpur and Dibrugarh named for Phase Two. Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj are among other cities selected for Phase One, the minister said after chairing a high level review meeting on the rollout of Water Metro services. The Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026 has been circulated for inter-ministerial consultations and work is proceeding on feasibility studies. Modelled on the Kochi Water Metro, the initiative seeks to convert navigable waterways into modern, sustainable urban transport corridors that use electric and hybrid ferries. The minister said that the systems are significantly less capital intensive because they make use of existing waterways and require minimal civil infrastructure, leading to faster construction timelines and lower land requirements. Reduced operational costs were cited as a further advantage. The proposed ecosystem will include ferries, terminals, jetties, charging infrastructure, navigational aids and passenger facilities, with emphasis on electric and hybrid propulsion systems. The minister indicated that the projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity and provide a smoother commuting experience while also enhancing tourism potential in river based cities. Cities with continuous or semi continuous waterways, high commuter demand and populations above one million will be prioritised, although exceptions may be considered to improve access to remote areas or strengthen resilience during floods and disruptions. The Inland Waterways Authority of India had entrusted Kochi Metro Rail Limited with conducting feasibility studies for 18 cities earlier this year and draft feasibility reports for Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi and Ayodhya have been accepted. The Centre is exploring multiple funding models, including Centre-State partnerships, public-private partnership models and fully government funded initiatives to support implementation. Officials continue to refine technical standards and operational plans as consultations proceed.

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