Published May 20, 2026 | 1:48 PM ⚊ Updated May 20, 2026 | 1:48 PM
Water Metro in Kochi
Synopsis: The Centre plans to replicate the Kochi Water Metro model in 18 cities across India in a bid to expand sustainable urban water transport systems. A review meeting chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 19 May discussed the proposed rollout, with Srinagar, Patna and Varanasi identified for the first phase of operations.
The Centre plans to replicate the Kochi Water Metro model in 18 cities across India following the success of the urban water transport system in Kerala, the Deccan Herald reported.
The proposal was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi on Monday, 19 May. The meeting discussed the development of sustainable urban water transport systems in multiple cities.
In the first phase, services are expected to be introduced in Srinagar, Patna and Varanasi. The second phase will cover Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam.
The Centre has circulated the draft National Water Metro Policy 2026 to different ministries for inter-departmental consultation. The proposed framework draws from the experience of the Kochi Water Metro system developed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited.
In February last year, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited the task of carrying out feasibility studies for proposed Water Metro projects in 18 cities.
The exercise involves evaluating existing urban transport networks, projecting passenger demand, examining financial and economic feasibility through FIRR and EIRR metrics, and exploring integration with other modes of public transport.
Officials have completed site inspections at all 18 locations. Draft feasibility reports have been prepared for 17 cities, with Lakshadweep yet to be covered. Reports for Srinagar, Patna, Guwahati, Varanasi and Ayodhya have already received approval.
Also Read: India’s first women pilot trainees at Kochi Water Metro
