Mumbai Water Metro To Launch In Phases

28 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Mumbai water metro will be launched in phases, with authorities planning a staged roll-out to bring water-based rapid transit to the city. The initial phase will link key nodes along the harbour and adjacent island communities to the metropolitan rail network, providing an alternative to congested road corridors. Project promoters indicated phased commissioning will allow progressive scaling of operations while addressing operational and safety considerations.

Services will operate from newly constructed terminals and refurbished ferry ghats designed for quick boarding and disembarkation, with vessels tailored for urban commuter flows. Integration with suburban rail and bus services will aim to provide seamless transfers and coordinated ticketing to reduce journey times. Operators will phase the introduction of vessels and timetables to match demand and fine tune maintenance regimes.

The scheme is expected to ease pressure on road and rail infrastructure by offering a reliable waterborne option for daily commuters and tourists, especially during peak travel periods. Environmental benefits are anticipated through reduced vehicular congestion and emissions where commuters shift to the water metro, subject to careful management of harbour operations. Accessibility features will be incorporated at terminals to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility and to support first and last mile connections. Safety protocols and contingency planning will be central to operations from day one.

Authorities will continue conducting trials and stakeholder consultations as subsequent phases proceed, with performance data guiding the pace of expansion. Funding and operational details will be refined during the initial months of service to ensure sustainable operations and user acceptance. The phased approach aims to deliver a scalable, resilient water transit network that complements Mumbai’s broader urban transport programme.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..