IWAI Plans Water Metro in 17 Cities

22 Feb 2025 CW Team

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has commissioned a feasibility study to develop an Urban Water Transport System in 17 cities across 12 states. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been appointed to conduct the study, exploring the potential for water metro projects either fully or partially in these cities.

The cities identified include Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey, and the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where inter-island ferry services could significantly improve connectivity.

This initiative aims to create a sustainable and efficient urban transport network by utilising India’s extensive waterways. It envisions integrating water transport with other modes of transit while boosting tourism and regional economic growth. The system will feature non-polluting electric ferries, modernised terminals, and seamless multimodal connectivity.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been expanding its reach nationwide. It has already taken green initiatives like deploying electric catamarans in Varanasi and Ayodhya, with more planned for Mathura and Guwahati. A hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel has also successfully completed trials, highlighting the Authority’s commitment to sustainable transport development.

(search.app)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..