The Centre has circulated the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026 for inter-ministerial consultations as it prepares a national rollout of water-based urban transport systems across 18 cities.
In a statement on Monday, 18 May, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting on the proposed rollout of Water Metro services in the country.
Guwahati has been identified for Phase I of the project, along with Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj.
Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam have been proposed for Phase II of the project.
The ministry said the proposed national framework builds on the success and learnings from the Kochi Water Metro.
The plan is aimed at introducing water-based urban mobility solutions in cities with navigable waterways and turning inland waterways into efficient, sustainable and modern public transport corridors.
Sonowal said the proposed Water Metro systems would be significantly less capital intensive as they use existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure.
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“With faster construction timelines, lower land requirements, and reduced operational costs particularly through the adoption of electric and hybrid ferries the system offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional urban transport,” Sonowal said.
He said the services would help reduce congestion in cities while offering a comfortable, scenic and smoother commuting experience.
The minister also called for consultation with state governments on the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, saying their suggestions should be taken before the framework is finalised.
According to the ministry, the proposed Water Metro system is being planned as a mass public transport solution for both daily commuters and tourism.
It will operate across navigable waterways and will encourage hybrid and electric propulsion systems, along with periodic technological upgrades.
The initiative will follow an ecosystem approach, covering standardisation in vessel design, terminals, charging infrastructure and safety protocols.
It will also promote indigenous vessel construction and seamless multimodal integration with existing transport networks.
Sonowal said projects would be prioritised in regions with suitable geographic conditions, including continuous or semi-continuous waterways. Cities with populations exceeding one million and with demonstrated transport demand, particularly in tourist corridors, will be considered.
However, the ministry said these criteria may be relaxed where projects can significantly reduce road congestion, improve connectivity to remote or water-locked areas, or strengthen resilience during floods and disruptions.
The development framework will cover vessels, pontoons, jetties, bunkering and charging infrastructure, terminals, passenger amenities and navigational aids.
Multiple funding models are being considered, including joint Centre-State funding, fully state-funded projects, public-private partnerships and fully Centre-funded initiatives.
The ministry said cost optimisation through efficient planning, fleet rationalisation and operational management would be important for long-term viability.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India had entrusted Kochi Metro Rail Limited with conducting feasibility studies for 18 cities on 25 February 2025.
The studies cover existing public transport systems, travel demand estimation, financial and economic viability, and multimodal integration.
Site visits have been completed for all 18 locations, while draft feasibility reports have been submitted for 17 cities, with Lakshadweep pending.
Feasibility reports for Srinagar, Patna, Guwahati, Varanasi and Ayodhya have already been accepted.
Speaking on the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, Sonowal said India’s maritime heritage should be reflected in the design and architecture of terminals and related infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for landscape assessments and the use of locally appropriate building materials to preserve regional identity.
The minister called for active local engagement, particularly involving young students, to build awareness and participation in the country’s waterways transformation.
He also said quantifying fuel savings and environmental benefits should be a key communication focus.
Sonowal said Water Metro projects should enhance the beauty, reputation and legacy of cities while delivering world-class and sustainable mobility solutions.
He described the initiative as a “golden opportunity” for the ministry to drive India’s next phase of transport revolution through innovative, sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions.
