The Government of India is preparing to introduce Water Metro transport systems across 18 cities as part of a major push toward sustainable urban mobility and modern inland water transportation infrastructure.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is being developed under the proposed National Water Metro Policy 2026, which aims to transform navigable waterways into efficient, eco-friendly public transport corridors.
The first phase of the rollout is expected to include cities such as Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Guwahati, while additional cities including Tezpur and Dibrugarh are planned for future phases.
The proposed Water Metro systems are designed to reduce urban congestion, improve regional connectivity, and provide a cleaner alternative to traditional transport networks through the use of electric and hybrid ferries. The model builds on the success of the Kochi Water Metro, India’s first integrated water-based urban transport project.
According to industry experts, the initiative could significantly strengthen urban tourism, last-mile connectivity, and sustainable transportation infrastructure while also opening new opportunities across tourism, hospitality, and regional development sectors.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), along with Kochi Metro Rail Limited, has already completed feasibility assessments for multiple proposed cities as part of the nationwide expansion strategy.
