Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has accelerated its feasibility study for the proposed Srinagar Water Metro, signalling that infrastructural progress will not be held hostage to geopolitical tensions.
Commissioned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the study is part of a broader national effort to explore clean inland water transport across 21 Indian cities.Despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, KMRL made a decisive move to send a three-member team to Srinagar in May. Led by Sajan P John, Chief Operating Officer of Kochi Water Metro, the team conducted extensive field assessments, mapping potential water routes and consulting with local stakeholders.
The initial findings suggest that the proposed water metro — envisioned as an electric boat transit system — is feasible and well-suited to Srinagar’s unique geography. The study identifies the iconic Dal Lake and the Jhelum river as the core corridors of the future network, with the twin objective of easing surface congestion and offering a climate-friendly mobility solution.Speaking on the project, John said, “We saw this as more than a study. It’s a statement that terror or conflict will not stall development. The region deserves clean, inclusive infrastructure, and this is a step in that direction.” He further stressed the need to preserve the delicate ecology of Kashmir by recommending fully electric vessels with zero-emission operations.
The IWAI’s active support has added momentum. Chairman Vijay Kumar visited Srinagar during the study and assured that the Centre is prepared to fund and back the project as part of its wider inland water transport vision. The integration of this project with the ongoing Srinagar Smart City plan has also been factored into KMRL’s study.KMRL plans to submit its preliminary feasibility report by mid-July. Once reviewed, IWAI is expected to move toward preparing a detailed project report (DPR), likely to be undertaken by KMRL itself, given its proven track record in planning and executing India’s first integrated water metro in Kochi.
For Srinagar, the project offers more than just mobility—it opens doors to a future where eco-friendly transport can coexist with tourism, heritage, and local livelihoods. As traffic pressure mounts on land routes and environmental concerns become central to urban planning, this initiative aligns with India’s broader net-zero and green mobility goals.
In the face of adversity, the project reflects a quietly powerful message: development grounded in sustainability and equity will not be deferred. If successful, Srinagar’s water metro could emerge as a benchmark for other Indian hill cities seeking resilient, clean transit options.
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