Water metro set for national push as govt weighs policy framework, dedicated law

Kochi's Blueprint for National Expansion

Kochi's Water Metro has emerged as a successful model for urban water transport in India, demonstrating the viability of electric, eco-friendly vessels for public transit. Operating for over three years, the system has transported more than 6.5 million passengers using just 20 boats, all without a major incident. This success has spurred the Union government to consider a nationwide expansion, leveraging India's extensive network of rivers, lakes, and backwaters to ease urban congestion and promote sustainable mobility. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is actively developing the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026, which aim to standardize planning, implementation, safety, and environmental aspects of these systems across the country.

KMRL, the operator of the Kochi Water Metro, has already completed feasibility studies for 18 locations nationally, with detailed project reports underway for Mumbai and Goa. Several other states, including Gujarat, Odisha, and Karnataka, have also expressed interest in adopting the model. The water metro concept, as highlighted by KMRL's managing director Loknath Behera, goes beyond traditional ferry services by integrating digital ticketing, multimodal connectivity, stringent safety protocols, and scheduled operations, effectively creating a 'metro system on water.' This holistic approach, coupled with the use of lithium-titanium battery technology and vessels designed to minimize ecological impact, positions the water metro as a significant solution for urban transport challenges.

Navigating Policy and Legal Gaps

Despite the ambitious plans for national expansion, a critical challenge lies in the absence of a dedicated legal and regulatory framework for water metro systems. Unlike urban metro rail projects, which operate under the clear guidelines of the Metro Rail Act, water transport currently falls under a fragmented jurisdiction involving various state, inland waterways, and maritime authorities. Loknath Behera advocates for a separate 'Water Metro Act' to standardize the system across the country, ensuring a unified policy, regulatory framework, and operational standards. Such legislation would define safety standards, operational protocols, vessel specifications, and institutional responsibilities, providing much-needed clarity for future projects and streamlining approval processes.

The proposed National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026, are a step towards addressing some of these issues, covering technical frameworks for zero- and low-emission vessels, standardization, financing structures, and inter-ministerial coordination. However, a comprehensive legal act would provide the overarching authority and consistency required for large-scale, standardized implementation. Behera also suggests the creation of a national authority to regulate and standardize water metro systems, mirroring the structure of other transport regulators. This institutional architecture is vital to ensure uniform development, safety, and efficiency as the network expands across diverse geographical and administrative landscapes.

Building a Domestic Manufacturing Ecosystem

The ambitious scale of the national water metro initiative also exposes a significant hurdle: India's limited domestic manufacturing capacity for specialized electric passenger boats. Currently, Cochin Shipyard Ltd has been the primary builder for Kochi's fleet, but a nationwide rollout would require hundreds of vessels, far exceeding current production capabilities. To meet this demand, Behera emphasizes the need for demand aggregation and standardization, which would incentivize multiple public and private shipyards to invest in dedicated production lines. He draws a parallel with metro coaches, where visible demand spurred manufacturers to enter the market.

Developing a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem for these advanced vessels is not only crucial for self-sufficiency but also presents an opportunity for India to become an exporter of water metro technology. KMRL itself is considering establishing a separate business development or advisory division to support states in implementing new projects, akin to the role played by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in the early expansion of metro rail systems. While KMRL is unlikely to become an operator for multiple cities, its expertise will be instrumental in building the necessary ecosystem, transferring knowledge, and maintaining standards. This strategic focus on both policy and industrial capacity will be key to transforming the water metro from isolated projects into a cohesive national transport network.