Inspired by Kochi, Mumbai plans water metro; Navi Mumbai airport a key stop

Credit: @IMC_India/X

Mumbai is charting a new course to tackle its notorious traffic congestion with ambitious plans for a comprehensive water metro network, a project estimated to cost Rs 2,500 crore.

The initiative, modelled on the successful system in Kochi, aims to provide an eco-friendly transit alternative and improve connectivity across the metropolitan region, including the new Navi Mumbai airport.

The proposal, prepared by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, is being taken seriously as authorities explore new transport options. Ashwini Bhide, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), confirmed the developments.

“As the water metro project in Kochi was successful, Kochi Shipyard Company, which worked on that project, has been asked to prepare a study report for Mumbai’s water metro,” Bhide was quoted as saying by News18 Lokmat at an event organised by the Indian Merchant Chamber.

The project has already gained significant momentum. The Kerala-based Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, which pioneered the water metro concept, was tasked with conducting a survey for Mumbai and submitted its report to Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane in June. Minister Rane subsequently directed officials to submit a development plan within three months.

According to a News18 report, the initial study outlines an extensive network, proposing the construction of 29 terminals and the selection of 10 routes. The substantial investment will cover the construction of passenger facilities at jetties and the purchase of boats.

Minister Rane emphasised the project's strategic importance, stating that the water metro would be a vital link between suburbs, the city of Mumbai and south Mumbai with Navi Mumbai. He instructed that the development plan should integrate the water metro with other transport modes, with jetties and metro terminals developed to a similar standard.

Mumbai’s plan draws direct inspiration from the operational Kochi Water Metro in Kerala. That system uses a fleet of electric and hybrid boats, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, to connect island communities with the mainland via a network of waterways.

Since its launch in April 2023, the service has already transported nearly 40 lakh passengers, demonstrating the viability of water-based public transport.

Parallel push for digital and road connectivity



In related infrastructure updates, Ashwini Bhide also addressed the ongoing issue of mobile network connectivity within the underground sections of the Mumbai Metro-3 line. She confirmed that discussions are underway with various telecom companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), to provide 5G network coverage on all metro routes.

Bhide expressed confidence that the issue of mobile connectivity within the underground Mumbai Metro-3 line would be resolved imminently. She stated that discussions were ongoing with various telecom companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), to provide 5G network coverage across all metro routes.

She further noted that the Chief Minister had written to the Union Telecom Minister on the matter, indicating that a positive decision was expected soon. Furthermore, in a bid to create a seamless multi-modal transport web, authorities are working to better integrate BEST bus services with metro stations.

Acknowledging a significant shortfall, Bhide noted that Mumbai needs at least 10,000 buses, a stark contrast to the current fleet of approximately 2,500 and efforts are underway to increase this number in the coming days.