The Maharashtra government has chosen Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for Mumbai’s proposed water metro project. This move is expected to strengthen KMRL’s consultancy wing while adding a fresh stream of non-ticket revenue to the company.
Building on Feasibility Study
KMRL confirmed that the DPR will build on a feasibility study its consultancy division had already completed for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The proposed network will cover major water bodies like Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja, aiming to ease commuter movement across India’s financial hub.
A Challenging Assignment
KMRL managing director Loknath Behera described the task as complex, given Mumbai’s mix of canals, backwaters, port waters, and sea routes. He said expertise gained from Kochi’s own pioneering Water Metro project will help design a sustainable transport model for Mumbai.
“The Mumbai Water Metro will improve intermodal connectivity by linking rail, road, and waterways. We aim to submit the DPR by the end of this year,” Behera added.
Project Scope
The Mumbai plan envisions 250 km of waterways with 29 terminals and 10 routes. According to KMRL, the project is not only about infrastructure but also about creating a reliable urban transport alternative.
Expanding Nationwide Role
KMRL is already working with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on water transport studies across 18 cities in 11 states and two Union Territories. Reports for Patna and Srinagar have been submitted, while studies for Ahmedabad and Guwahati are nearly complete. Once evaluated by IWAI, these will pave the way for new DPRs.
Kochi’s Experience Sets the Benchmark
Launched in 2023, the Kochi Water Metro was India’s first passenger boat service integrated with a metro rail system. The boats are battery-powered, air-conditioned, and designed to be disability-friendly, with enhanced safety features. This model now serves as a reference point for future projects like Mumbai’s.
