In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Mumbai’s urban transport infrastructure, the Maharashtra government has unveiled plans to launch a Water Metro service in the city.
The ambitious project, which seeks to ease the city’s chronic traffic congestion while boosting tourism, is set to tap into Mumbai’s often-underutilised waterways for daily commuting.The state government, through Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane, confirmed on April 26 that a detailed project report (DPR) will soon be prepared for the Water Metro. Drawing on technical expertise from Kerala’s successful Kochi Water Metro, Rane noted that the DPR for the Mumbai Water Metro is expected to be completed by the end of this month. “We have a city made up of seven islands, and yet the waterways here have never been fully utilised for transport,” said Rane. “The Water Metro will change this by providing an alternative, eco-friendly means of transport, which will significantly reduce congestion on roads and the suburban rail network.” The Water Metro project aims to introduce a new dimension to Mumbai’s existing transport ecosystem, which has long been plagued by overcrowding and traffic snarls. With the development of the Water Metro, the state hopes to offer a sustainable, efficient alternative for urban commuters while alleviating pressure on the city’s road and rail networks.
The service will use battery-operated boats, a green and energy-efficient solution, to connect various points across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). By utilising Mumbai’s rivers and coastal waters, the initiative promises to reduce the city’s dependence on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, aligning with the state’s larger vision of eco-friendly urban mobility. In addition to improving daily commuting, the Water Metro will also provide a new dimension to Mumbai’s tourism industry. According to Minister Rane, the project will offer a scenic, modern way for tourists to explore the city’s iconic waterfronts, offering a unique travel experience that could attract both domestic and international visitors. The Water Metro project will be rolled out in two phases, with the first focusing on the launch of the water metro service itself, while the second phase will introduce a Roll-On-Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) ferry service, designed to carry vehicles. The Ro-Ro ferries will be crucial for connecting locations that are difficult to access by land, further enhancing the region’s connectivity.
Minister Rane confirmed that 21 potential locations have been identified for water metro stations, spanning the Vaitarna River, Vasai, Thane, Manori, Panvel, and the Mumbai Port Trust area. These areas are expected to become hubs for the new service, strategically chosen to serve the major commuter and business centres within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In addition to the Water Metro service, a significant development has emerged regarding the Navi Mumbai International Airport. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced that Navi Mumbai airport would be the first in the country to offer a water taxi service, making it easier for passengers to travel to and from the airport via water transport. A dedicated Water Metro terminal is also planned near the airport, which will complement the airport’s water taxi services. The Water Metro project is designed as a collaborative effort between the central and state governments, with each contributing 50 percent to the funding and development. To facilitate the smooth execution of the project, a special body will be formed to oversee the implementation and ensure timely completion. This public-private partnership approach is expected to streamline operations, expedite decision-making, and ensure that the Water Metro service meets international standards of efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.
The Water Metro service is more than just an urban transport initiative; it is part of Maharashtra’s broader vision to reduce the carbon footprint of the state’s cities while creating more sustainable, livable environments. As urban populations continue to grow and pressures on infrastructure mount, the introduction of green transport solutions like the Water Metro becomes increasingly important. By leveraging Mumbai’s waterways, which have long been neglected in urban planning, the project could transform the way Mumbai residents travel. It will also contribute to the state’s climate goals by reducing reliance on traditional, polluting transport modes. At the same time, the water-based transport service aims to integrate seamlessly with existing transport networks, including the Mumbai Metro, suburban trains, and local buses. This multi-modal approach promises to offer commuters a more connected, flexible, and accessible transportation system.
While the Water Metro offers great promise, it faces several challenges, particularly in terms of integration with existing infrastructure. The city’s existing road and rail systems are already overwhelmed, and it will be essential for the Water Metro to connect with these systems in a way that makes it easier for commuters to switch modes without major delays or inconvenience. Moreover, ensuring the sustainability of the water transport system, particularly concerning its environmental impact and maintenance, will require meticulous planning. The integration of clean, battery-powered boats will be a step in the right direction, but maintaining a green transport system in the long term will require constant monitoring and innovation. Additionally, the logistics of operating a water metro system, including navigating complex waterways and ensuring safety protocols for commuters, will require substantial planning. However, the success of similar projects, such as the Kochi Water Metro, provides valuable insights that could be adapted for Mumbai’s unique requirements.
The Maharashtra government’s announcement of the Water Metro service for Mumbai represents a bold step toward reshaping the city’s transport landscape. By leveraging the city’s waterways and introducing innovative, eco-friendly solutions, the government aims to ease congestion, boost tourism, and provide a sustainable alternative to conventional modes of transport. If successfully implemented, the Water Metro could serve as a model for other major cities across India, paving the way for a greener, more connected, and equitable urban future.
