Mumbai is gearing up for its own Water Metro transport system, with services expected to launch from December 2026 in phases, according to Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane. The project aims to introduce battery-powered electric ferries that will help decongest road traffic and offer a cleaner, faster public transport alternative along the city’s waterways.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is on track to be completed by February 28, after which authorities will finalise the first routes and implementation strategy. Plans include six to eight waterways corridors across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with two key city sectors likely to be prioritised for the initial phase.
Potential initial routes are expected to link major coastal hubs such as Nariman Point, Worli, Bandra, Juhu and Versova, boosting connectivity for daily commuters and easing pressure on existing road and rail networks. In addition, a proposed Radio Club jetty near the Gateway of India could provide a direct water link to Navi Mumbai International Airport, potentially reducing travel time to around 40 minutes once terminals and infrastructure are in place.Modeled after the successful Kochi Water Metro in Kerala, Mumbai’s version emphasises sustainability with electric vessels designed for efficient, low-emission operations. Final route alignments, funding details and phase-wise rollout plans will be announced following DPR approval and budget discussions expected in early March.
