The Centre has initiated an ambitious push to transform urban transport through waterways, with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announcing that Guwahati will be among the first cities to receive Water Metro services under Phase I of a nationwide rollout.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on Monday, Sonowal confirmed that the government is planning to introduce Water Metro systems across 18 cities in the country. Apart from Guwahati, cities such as Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj have also been identified for the first phase, while Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam are slated for inclusion in Phase II of the project.
In a significant policy move, the Ministry has circulated the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, for inter-ministerial consultations, signalling the Centre’s intent to establish a structured national framework for urban water transport systems.
The initiative builds on the success of the Kochi Water Metro and aims to scale up water-based mobility solutions by leveraging India’s vast network of navigable waterways. The proposed system is envisioned as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional urban transport, with lower capital investment due to minimal requirements for land acquisition and civil infrastructure.
Highlighting the advantages, Sonowal said the Water Metro model offers faster implementation timelines, reduced operational costs, and a greener transport solution through the use of electric and hybrid ferries. “These services will contribute to reducing congestion in cities while offering a comfortable, scenic, and smoother commuting experience,” he said.
The Minister stressed the importance of wider consultations, urging state governments to actively participate in shaping the policy framework. He also underlined the need for preserving India’s maritime heritage through locally contextualised design and architecture of terminals, along with the use of indigenous materials.
The Water Metro is being envisioned as a mass public transport system catering to both daily commuters and tourists. It will operate across navigable waterways and integrate seamlessly with existing transport networks, adopting a comprehensive ecosystem approach that includes vessels, terminals, jetties, charging infrastructure, and passenger amenities.
The government is also exploring multiple funding models, including Centre-State partnerships, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and fully state- or Centre-funded projects, with an emphasis on cost optimisation and long-term operational viability.
As part of the groundwork, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) had tasked Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) with conducting feasibility studies for 18 cities in February 2025. Site visits have been completed across all identified locations, while draft feasibility reports have been submitted for 17 cities, with Lakshadweep pending. Notably, feasibility reports for Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi and Ayodhya have already been accepted.
Outlining the selection criteria, Sonowal said priority would be given to cities with suitable geographical conditions, including continuous or semi-continuous waterways, populations exceeding one million, and strong transport demand, particularly in tourism corridors. However, he noted that these criteria may be relaxed for projects that significantly reduce congestion, improve connectivity in remote or water-locked areas, or enhance resilience during floods and disruptions.
Calling the initiative a “golden opportunity,” Sonowal said the Water Metro programme could redefine urban mobility in India by combining sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, while positioning waterways as a central pillar of the country’s next phase of transport development.