Govt Plans Water Metro Rollout in 18 Cities, Draft National Policy Moves Ahead

Centre outlines phased expansion plan as waterways based urban transport gains policy attention

The Centre is moving ahead with plans to expand water metro services to multiple cities, with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways working on a national rollout framework built around inland and urban waterways infrastructure.

According to government statements issued on 19 May, a draft National Water Metro Policy has been circulated for inter ministerial consultation as authorities explore the next phase of water based public transport development beyond Kochi.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting on the proposed rollout, with the ministry outlining plans to introduce water metro systems across 18 cities in stages. The initiative is aimed at strengthening urban mobility through navigable waterways and reducing pressure on conventional transport corridors.

In the first phase, cities including Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj are being considered for rollout. Additional locations are expected to be covered in later phases as infrastructure planning and policy consultations progress.

The ministry said the programme draws on lessons from the Kochi Water Metro model and is intended to create sustainable transport options linked to inland water infrastructure, urban mobility planning and multimodal connectivity goals.

Water Based Urban Mobility Push Expands Infrastructure Conversation

The latest policy movement places waterways more prominently within India’s infrastructure planning discussions, where governments are increasingly examining alternatives to road based mobility systems.

Infrastructure observers note that large scale implementation will depend on city specific feasibility, terminal infrastructure, vessel deployment, regulatory approvals and coordination between central and state agencies.

With consultation on the draft policy now underway, the coming months are expected to shape how water metro systems are integrated into India’s broader urban transport and infrastructure agenda.