The Maharashtra Government has announced plans to introduce a Water Metro service in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Drawing inspiration from the successful Kochi Water Metro project in Kerala, this initiative aims to alleviate road congestion and provide a greener, faster alternative to existing transport systems. The project will be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equal participation from the state and central governments. Eco-friendly, electric-powered ferries will be deployed to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution. Additionally, a water taxi network with eight key routes will connect Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts.
Strategic routes in phase one include connections between Narangi and Khar Wadeshwari, Vasai and Mira Bhayander, Kolshet and Kalher, Kalyan and Mumbra, and others. These services aim to drastically cut travel time; for instance, the Vasai to South Mumbai commute could shrink from over two hours to just 40–50 minutes. Similarly, the Kalyan to Vasai stretch may be reduced from 100 minutes to just 35–45 minutes. The infrastructure development will include 21 jetty stations, covering regions such as Vasai, Thane, Manori and Panvel creeks, the Vaitarna River, and waters under the Mumbai Port Trust. The second phase will introduce Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) ferry services and water ambulances, supporting multi-modal transportation and emergency response.
The project is a joint venture between the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Department. With Mumbai being a city of seven islands, experts believe that its underutilized water routes hold immense potential to revolutionize urban mobility and ease pressure on overloaded suburban trains and congested roads. Minister Rane emphasized the project’s potential to boost tourism. He proposed developing Vasai Fort into a major heritage destination, creating a tourism circuit connecting nearby forts, bird sanctuaries, temples, and water parks, and ensuring regular cleaning of water bodies to maintain environmental sustainability and appeal.
Drawing from the nationally acclaimed Kochi Water Metro—which integrates electric boats with land-based transit—Mumbai’s upcoming service aspires to be both an environmental and technological benchmark for water-based public transport in India.
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