The Union Government is fast-tracking plans to introduce Water Metro services across India, with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) circulating the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026 for inter-ministerial consultation. The move signals a push to formalize a national framework for urban water transport, leveraging India’s extensive network of navigable waterways.

Phase I of the rollout will include Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, while Phase II will focus on Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam. The initiative draws inspiration from the successful Kochi Water Metro, aiming to replicate its learnings and scale them into a nationwide network of sustainable, efficient, and modern water-based urban mobility systems.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who chaired the review meeting on the project, highlighted the rationale behind the initiative: “The proposed Water Metro systems are significantly less capital-intensive as they utilise existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure. Faster construction timelines, lower land requirements, and adoption of electric and hybrid ferries make this an eco-friendly alternative to conventional urban transport.”

The Minister emphasized that the Draft Policy will undergo consultations with State Governments to gather valuable suggestions. “This initiative adopts a holistic ecosystem approach,” Sonowal explained, “covering vessels, terminals, charging infrastructure, passenger amenities, safety protocols, and multimodal integration with existing transport networks.”

The proposed Water Metro services are envisioned as a mass public transport solution catering to daily commuters and tourists alike. Green technologies, including hybrid and electric propulsion systems, will be encouraged, while standardization and indigenisation in vessel design and construction will be promoted.

Planning for Water Metro projects will prioritise regions with continuous or semi-continuous waterways and cities with populations exceeding one million, particularly those with high tourist demand. However, exceptions may be considered for projects that alleviate road congestion, improve connectivity to remote or water-locked areas, or enhance resilience during floods.

A comprehensive feasibility assessment has already been conducted for all 18 identified cities by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on behalf of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Draft feasibility reports for 17 cities have been submitted, with Lakshadweep pending. Reports for Srinagar, Patna, Guwahati, Varanasi, and Ayodhya have been approved, paving the way for early implementation.

Highlighting India’s maritime heritage, Sonowal stressed that terminal design and associated infrastructure must reflect regional identity and aesthetics. Active local engagement, particularly among youth, is being encouraged to raise awareness of the country’s waterway transformation.

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The Draft Policy also considers multiple funding models, including Centre-State partnerships, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and fully State- or Centre-funded projects, with strategies for cost optimization and operational efficiency.

Describing the initiative as a “golden opportunity” for India’s urban mobility, Sonowal said, “Water Metro projects should enhance the beauty, reputation, and legacy of cities while delivering world-class, sustainable transport solutions. The Ministry has a pivotal role in driving India’s next phase of transport revolution through innovative, inclusive, and eco-friendly mobility systems.”

With the Draft National Water Metro Policy in circulation and Phase I cities identified, India is poised to usher in a new era of inland water transport, combining sustainability, efficiency, and urban connectivity.