The Kochi Water Metro model, hailed as a transformative approach to urban water transport, is gaining rapid momentum across India, setting the stage for comprehensive maritime and waterways development in coastal states and Union Territories (UTs).
Operational in 13 states already, with plans to expand to all 30 coastal and waterway states and UTs, the Kochi Water Metro has emerged as a blueprint for sustainable and efficient water transport systems. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), aims to replicate Kochi’s success in locations such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Goa, as articulated by a senior MoPSW official during a recent review meeting of the State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC). Chaired by MoPSW Secretary T K Ramachandran, the virtual meet convened senior officials from across India to strategize on enhancing maritime infrastructure and transport networks. Highlighting the Kochi Water Metro’s impact, Ramachandran underscored its pivotal role in revolutionizing local water transport in Kerala, marking a year of successful operations since April 25, 2024.
“The Kochi Water Metro has brought about a revolutionary change in Kerala’s water transport sector, and its scalable model holds promise for other states,” stated Ramachandran. He also emphasized the broader implications of initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme and the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, aimed at enhancing India’s maritime legacy and infrastructure. Currently operational SMWTCs in 13 states including Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep reflect the nationwide scope of maritime and waterways development efforts. Plans are underway to establish SMWTCs in all coastal and waterway states and UTs to ensure comprehensive coverage and integrated development. Looking ahead, the adoption of the Kochi Water Metro model in key urban centres underscores India’s commitment to modernizing transport infrastructure, fostering sustainability, and leveraging its extensive coastline for economic growth. As the initiative progresses, stakeholders anticipate enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion, and greater environmental sustainability across India’s coastal regions, driving forward the vision of a robust and interconnected maritime transport network.
