New Delhi, May 19 (APAC Media): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, rolled out the Draft National Water Metro Policy 2026.
As per the plan, the government intends to launch Water Metro services in 18 cities in different phases:
Phase 1- Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj
Phase 2- Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam
The plan builds on the success and learnings from the Kochi Water Metro. The government is now scaling up a national framework to introduce water-based urban mobility solutions across the country. The proposed rollout aims to transform inland waterways into efficient, sustainable, and modern public transport corridors.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Sonowal said, “The proposed Water Metro systems are significantly less capital intensive as they utilise existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure. With faster construction timelines, lower land requirements, and reduced operational costs, particularly through the adoption of electric and hybrid ferries, the system offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional urban transport. These services will contribute to reducing congestion in cities while offering a comfortable, scenic, and smoother commuting experience.”
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