Kochi model: Water Metro planned in 18 cities across India; Ayodhya, Varanasi in first phase

New Delhi: The Water Metro model pioneered in Kochi is set to be introduced in 18 cities across the country. A review meeting on the project was held in Delhi recently under the chairmanship of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The initiative aims to transform inland waterways in urban areas into an efficient, sustainable and modern mode of public transport.

In the first phase, Water Metro services will be implemented in cities including Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. The second phase will include cities such as Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam.

The draft National Water Metro Policy 2026 has been circulated among various ministries for consideration. Sarbananda Sonowal said the policy was framed taking inspiration from the success of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited Water Metro project.

Discussions are also underway on implementing the project through Centre-state partnerships as well as public-private partnerships. In February, the Inland Waterways Authority entrusted Kochi Metro Rail Limited with conducting feasibility studies in 18 cities. Site visits have been completed in all locations. Except Lakshadweep, draft reports have also been prepared. The ministry has already accepted reports for the first-phase cities.