Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to develop a modern passenger water transport (PWT) system across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in collaboration with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
Building on the success of the Kochi Water Metro, the project aims to utilize Mumbai’s coastline and waterways to create an integrated, eco-friendly, and efficient transport network suited to the city’s geography. The system is designed as a low-emission alternative to road and rail, improving connectivity, easing congestion, and boosting tourism and economic growth.
The DPR proposes 11 new routes supported by 24 new terminals, integrated with 25 existing terminals, including six shared hubs. The total network would expand from 128 km to over 215 km, operating a fleet of 148 boats for the new routes and 49 for the existing network, along with six emergency response vessels. The estimated project cost is ₹6,067 crore.
Routes are planned to link key urban and growth corridors, including Vasai, Mira Bhayander, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Airoli, Vashi, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and major coastal and business hubs like the Gateway of India, Bandra, Worli, and Nariman Point. The system emphasizes multimodal integration, last-mile connectivity, and commuter convenience, with terminals upgraded and aligned with parallel MMB infrastructure projects.
KMRL is also extending its expertise nationally, submitting feasibility studies for water metro systems in 16 other Indian cities.
