Centre Launches ₹9,280 Crore Water Metro Plan to Boost Eco-Friendly Public Transport.

The Centre is preparing a ₹9,280 crore scheme to co-fund the development of water metro systems across India in partnership with state governments and the private sector. The initiative aims to harness rivers, canals, lakes, backwaters, estuaries, creeks, and coastal waters to ease road congestion while promoting sustainable public transport.

The scheme forms part of the draft National Water Metro Policy 2026, prepared by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Under the plan, water metro projects will connect city centres with nearby areas and islands, serving daily commuters, tourists, and integrating seamlessly with other modes of transport.

A water metro is defined as a mechanically propelled, mass passenger transport system operating on inland or coastal waters. It is designed for the systematic movement of people and, where applicable, vehicles, and may include passenger vessels as well as Ro-Pax services.

Water metro vessels are expected to follow modern, standardised designs, equipped with safety, accessibility, and environmental protection features, functioning as part of an organised public transport network. Currently, Kochi hosts India’s only operational water metro project.

In February 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) commissioned feasibility studies for water metro systems in 18 cities, selected based on urban scale, navigable waterways, and existing ferry usage. Individual projects are estimated to cost between ₹800–1,300 crore, bringing the total capital expenditure to around ₹18,594 crore.

The scheme is planned to run for 10 years from April 2026. The Central government’s proposed contribution is 50% of the capital expenditure, amounting to ₹9,280 crore, according to the draft policy.