Karnataka Eyes Kochi Model For Coastal Water Metro

10 Feb 2026 CW Team

The delegation noted that the Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, has been developed at a relatively low cost and was described as a viable public transport model. Cost estimates were recorded in the range of Rs 1 bn to Rs 2 bn, following conversion from crore to internationally comparable units. Officials considered that such capital requirements could make a water metro an affordable supplement to coastal transport in the state, provided suitable routes and infrastructure are identified. Further assessment of operating costs and integration with existing services was identified as necessary before recommendations are finalised.

Gafoor noted that the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada together contain 186 backwater stretches that could potentially be utilised for a water metro project. He recalled that an earlier report from KMRL had indicated, based on certain specifications, that the system might not extend beyond the Gurupura-Maravoor bridge. The authority plans to supply additional data points and identify alternative locations to reappraise feasibility and to address technical constraints highlighted by the earlier assessment. The delegation sought further technical guidance on route design and vessel specifications to inform the reappraisal.

A consolidated report will be submitted to the state government in a few days, after which the authority will await directions on funding support and next steps. Discussions were held with KMRL Managing Director Lokanath Behera on how backwaters in coastal regions could be integrated into water-based public transport networks. Officials signalled that further technical studies and stakeholder consultations would be needed before any rollout is proposed. The authority indicated that community engagement and environmental assessments would form part of subsequent planning stages.

The Coastal Development Authority (CDA) has studied the Kochi Water Metro to assess its suitability for Karnataka's coastal belt, following a visit to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). The delegation was led by authority chairman M A Gafoor and included secretary Pradeep D'Souza and other officials. The team examined operational and technical aspects of the Kochi system, including the construction of floating jetties, vessel operations, shipbuilding yards and water-level management systems. Observations were oriented towards practical implementation in Karnataka. The delegation noted that the Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, has been developed at a relatively low cost and was described as a viable public transport model. Cost estimates were recorded in the range of Rs 1 bn to Rs 2 bn, following conversion from crore to internationally comparable units. Officials considered that such capital requirements could make a water metro an affordable supplement to coastal transport in the state, provided suitable routes and infrastructure are identified. Further assessment of operating costs and integration with existing services was identified as necessary before recommendations are finalised. Gafoor noted that the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada together contain 186 backwater stretches that could potentially be utilised for a water metro project. He recalled that an earlier report from KMRL had indicated, based on certain specifications, that the system might not extend beyond the Gurupura-Maravoor bridge. The authority plans to supply additional data points and identify alternative locations to reappraise feasibility and to address technical constraints highlighted by the earlier assessment. The delegation sought further technical guidance on route design and vessel specifications to inform the reappraisal. A consolidated report will be submitted to the state government in a few days, after which the authority will await directions on funding support and next steps. Discussions were held with KMRL Managing Director Lokanath Behera on how backwaters in coastal regions could be integrated into water-based public transport networks. Officials signalled that further technical studies and stakeholder consultations would be needed before any rollout is proposed. The authority indicated that community engagement and environmental assessments would form part of subsequent planning stages.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Apr 2026

Mineral Auction Rules Amended To Speed Mine Operationalisation

The Ministry of Mines notified the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2026 on 30 March 2026 to accelerate operationalisation of mines and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector. The amendment follows a prior change to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 effected on 17 October 2025 that introduced intermediary timelines between issuance of a letter of intent (LoI) and execution of the mining lease. The 2025 change provided that one per cent of performance security would be appropriated for each month of delay by the preferred bidder and introduced incentives for early operatio..

Infrastructure Transport

09 Apr 2026

Indian Railways Strengthens Telecom And AI Safety Systems

Indian Railways strengthened its telecom and digital infrastructure during 2025-26 with the aim of improving safety, operational efficiency and the passenger experience. The programme promoted modernisation through advanced technologies, robust communication systems and passenger-centric solutions. These measures were presented as part of a drive to build a digitally integrated rail ecosystem. A key development was the enhancement of the Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) backbone, commissioned at 1,396 stations to meet bandwidth needs of mission-critical applications. ..

Infrastructure Transport

09 Apr 2026

NHAI Holds Workshop on Litigation Management and Coordination

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) organised a day-long workshop in New Delhi to strengthen capacity and interdepartmental synergy for faster execution of national highway projects. The event was held under Mission Karmayogi – Sadhana Saptah, an initiative of the Government of India to enhance governance through capacity building and improved processes. The workshop focused on structured and solution oriented deliberations to address implementation constraints. The session was chaired by the NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and brought together senior officials from NHAI, the M..