Mumbai is set to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable urban mobility with the proposal of a 250-kilometre water metro network. This ambitious project, inspired by the successful Kochi Water Metro, aims to alleviate the city’s chronic traffic congestion and promote eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has submitted a comprehensive feasibility study to the Maharashtra government, outlining the potential for a water metro system across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The proposed network encompasses 29 terminals and 10 routes, connecting key locations such as Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja. This initiative marks KMRL’s first consultancy project outside Kerala, reflecting its growing expertise in sustainable urban transport solutions. The proposed water metro network is designed to integrate seamlessly with Mumbai’s existing transportation systems.
The project includes plans for battery-powered ferries, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the development of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) services for vehicles is envisaged in the project’s second phase. The Maharashtra government is working closely with KMRL to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will outline the project’s implementation strategy and timelines. The water metro project is expected to offer significant economic and environmental benefits. By providing an alternative mode of transportation, the initiative aims to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and promote sustainable urban development. The project also holds potential for boosting tourism by enhancing access to waterfront attractions and historical sites within the MMR.
Looking ahead, the success of the Kochi Water Metro serves as a model for similar initiatives across India. KMRL is currently conducting feasibility studies for water metro systems in 21 other cities, reflecting the growing recognition of water-based transportation as a viable solution to urban mobility challenges. As the Mumbai water metro project progresses, it is poised to become a cornerstone of the city’s sustainable transport infrastructure, offering residents and visitors a cleaner, more efficient way to navigate the bustling metropolis.
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