West Bengal is preparing to integrate Water Metro connectivity into Kolkata’s public transport network as part of a broader maritime infrastructure strategy under the Centre’s Sagarmala 2 programme. The move positions inland waterways as a complementary mode of urban mobility while signalling renewed investment in river-based transport, port infrastructure and coastal development with long-term implications for economic growth, commuter accessibility and climate-conscious urban planning.
State authorities have indicated that project proposals valued at around ₹22,700 crore are being prepared over the next five years, covering coastal infrastructure, fisheries, island development and water transport initiatives. The proposed Water Metro connectivity would make Kolkata one of the latest Indian cities to adopt an organised urban water transit system, building on the city’s long-standing relationship with the Hooghly River as a transport corridor.Urban mobility experts believe expanding passenger transport on waterways could help reduce pressure on congested road networks while improving multi-modal connectivity between Kolkata and adjoining areas. Unlike conventional ferry services, water metro systems are designed to operate with scheduled services, integrated terminals and improved passenger facilities, making river transport a more dependable option for daily commuting. Such systems also have the potential to lower transport emissions if supported by cleaner vessel technologies and seamless integration with rail, metro and bus services.
Officials have also outlined plans for new jetties and upgraded riverfront infrastructure to strengthen the operational network required for future services. Enhancing these facilities could improve first- and last-mile connectivity, particularly in neighbourhoods located along the Hooghly, while supporting tourism, local commerce and public access to the waterfront.Alongside urban transport, the state’s maritime roadmap includes wider investments linked to ports, logistics and coastal economic activity. Infrastructure specialists note that improved inland water transport can complement freight movement, reduce dependence on road haulage and contribute to more resilient supply chains. However, they caution that environmental safeguards, navigational safety, river ecology and equitable access must remain central to implementation if long-term sustainability goals are to be achieved.The proposed programme also reflects a broader national effort to strengthen maritime infrastructure through integrated planning between waterways, ports and urban development. For Kolkata, where dense development and limited road capacity continue to challenge mobility, expanding transport choices beyond roads and railways could provide greater resilience against future population growth and climate-related disruptions.
Detailed project reports, financial approvals and implementation schedules are expected to shape the next phase of development. Urban planners say the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on coordinated execution, integration with existing transport networks and sustained investment in modern, low-carbon public mobility that serves both economic priorities and the everyday needs of residents.
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