India Charts Course for Water Metro Revolution: Easing Congestion with Eco-Friendly Urban Transport

The government plans to implement water metro systems in 18 cities, beginning with Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj. This initiative seeks to transform navigable waterways into modern public transport, reducing urban congestion. Utilizing electric and hybrid ferries, the system offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, enhancing commuter experience.

The government is embarking on an ambitious plan to introduce a water metro transport system across 18 cities in India, as per the Shipping and Waterways Ministry. The plan, disclosed on Monday, involves rolling out water-based urban mobility solutions that leverage existing navigable waterways to ease urban congestion.

Initially, five cities — Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj — will see the introduction of water metro services, followed by Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam in the project's second phase. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the reduced costs and environmental benefits of using electric and hybrid ferries.

The project not only aims at reducing urban road congestion, but it also seeks to offer a comfortable and eco-friendly commuting alternative. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is actively collaborating with Kochi Metro Rail Limited on feasibility studies for the proposed water metro systems. Initial studies reveal promising potential for reducing congestion and improving urban connectivity.