Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has submitted a detailed feasibility study for a Water Metro project in Mumbai, inspired by the successful Kochi Water Metro model. The proposal outlines a 250-km waterway network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), featuring 29 terminals and 10 routes.
Official Acknowledgement and Next Steps
The report was officially received by Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitish Rane. He has instructed relevant departments to begin preliminary actions toward implementing the project. A senior KMRL official noted that the Maharashtra government is expected to entrust KMRL with preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) as well.
Connectivity Across Key Locations
The proposed Water Metro will link major creeks and water bodies such as Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja. The project aims to offer an integrated and eco-friendly alternative to existing urban transport systems in the region.
High-Level Presentation and Team Involved
The feasibility report was earlier presented at a high-level meeting in Mumbai, chaired by Minister Nitish Rane. KMRL’s team was led by Chief General Manager Shaji P Janardhanan, along with Senior Deputy General Manager Nishanth N and Manager Arjun Krishna K. Key officials from the Maharashtra Maritime Board also attended, including CEO M Pradeep Prabhakar and Chief of Ports Capt. Praveen Khare.
KMRL’s Growing National Role
This marks the first time KMRL has won a consultancy assignment through a competitive process, strengthening its status as a national player in sustainable urban transport. Its Consultancy Division, which prepared the report in record time, is now seen as a strategic growth unit within KMRL.
Expansion Beyond Kochi
KMRL is already working on feasibility studies for similar Water Metro systems in 21 cities across 11 states and two Union Territories. These studies are being conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Toward a National Benchmark in Water Transit
Experts believe that if KMRL is assigned the DPR and project implementation in Mumbai, it could evolve into a national and global leader in sustainable water transport — much like the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the field of metro rail development.
