changeadminThe Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is formulating the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026, to support planning, implementation, safety standards, and the promotion of eco-friendly water-based public transportation systems.
These guidelines cover aspects relating to the zero- and low-emission technical framework, standardisation requirements, financing structures, environmental safety, and inter-ministerial coordination.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has undertaken feasibility studies for the development of Urban Water Metro Systems at 18 identified locations across the country.
The feasibility studies for 15 locations have been completed, which will help in assessing the technical viability, infrastructure requirements, operational framework, and potential for implementing water-based urban public transportation systems.
However, four hybrid electric vessels have been deployed at Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna and Kolkata; and one hydrogen fuel cell vessel has been deployed at Varanasi under other initiatives of the Ministry.
Kochi Water Metro
India’s first and currently only operational inland water metro system is the Kochi Water Metro in Kerala, which launched its services in April 2023.
The network connects 10 island communities with the mainland of Kochi through a growing network of routes and modern terminals.
Kochi Water Metro system offers an eco-friendly means of transportation as it runs on electricity and is powered by renewable energy sources.
Wrapping Up
India’s Water Metro initiative is a sustainable urban public transport model that utilises existing rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways to provide eco-friendly, low-emission, and affordable connectivity.
Designed to ease heavy road traffic congestion, reduce fossil-fuel dependence, and leverage non-polluting electric and hybrid marine vessels aligned with national green shipping guidelines.
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