Feasibility Study for Urban Water Transport System Launched in 17 Indian Cities

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): India is taking significant strides towards developing an efficient and sustainable urban water transport system as part of its broader transportation modernization initiatives. In a move to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has identified 17 cities for conducting a feasibility study on the proposed Urban Water Transport System. This innovative initiative will integrate waterways with existing metro, bus, and railway networks, providing a seamless multi-modal transportation experience.

Key Parameters for City Selection

The 17 cities selected for the feasibility study were chosen based on a set of important criteria. These include:

• A minimum population of 1 million, ensuring that the cities are large enough to benefit from an urban water transport system.

• Proximity to existing navigable inland waterways enables easy access to water routes.

• The presence of substantial ferry services indicates an established base for water-based transportation.

The study aims to assess the viability of introducing an Urban Water Transport System that utilizes the existing network of rivers, canals, and water bodies to connect key urban areas. The cities included in this ambitious project are spread across 12 states and include significant locations such as Ayodhya, Guwahati, Dhubri, Goa, Kochi, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, and Mumbai, among others. The locations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep will also be studied for their potential to improve inter-island connectivity.

Role of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL)

The feasibility study is being conducted by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which has been engaged to explore the possibility of developing the Urban Water Transport System across these selected locations. The study will focus on assessing the technical, financial, and operational feasibility of the system, with the goal of integrating it seamlessly with other modes of transport, including metro, buses, and trains.

As of now, there are no plans to expand the study to additional cities, although the results of the feasibility study could pave the way for future expansions.

Benefits of the Water Metro Model

The Urban Water Transport System, also known as the Water Metro, promises to offer a range of benefits to the cities involved. It will provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional modes of transportation, using electric ferries that are both energy-efficient and sustainable. In addition, the system will:

• Enhance multi-modal connectivity, making it easier for commuters to switch between different forms of transportation.

• Boost tourism by providing scenic, water-based travel routes in addition to improving overall regional economic growth.

• Provide seamless connectivity between mainland cities and adjoining municipalities, islands, and panchayat areas, thereby fostering better integration between urban and rural areas.

Green Initiatives and Future Plans

As part of its commitment to green initiatives, IWAI has already made notable progress in promoting eco-friendly transport options. Under the Harit Nauka guidelines, IWAI has already deployed electric catamarans for passenger ferries at Varanasi and Ayodhya, with more to be launched soon in Mathura and Guwahati. Additionally, the authority has also procured a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel, which has completed its trials.

These steps represent a concerted effort to transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious approach to water-based transportation. The development of the Water Metro projects will extend these efforts, ensuring that urban water transport systems across the country are green, efficient, and future-ready.

A Vision for India’s Urban Transport Future

The introduction of the Urban Water Transport System is poised to transform India’s urban mobility landscape by providing a sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation systems. The feasibility study, set to be completed soon, will lay the foundation for a future where urban water transport plays a crucial role in India's overall mobility ecosystem. With the backing of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative has the potential to reshape the way millions of Indians travel, making urban areas more connected and accessible while also contributing to India’s broader green growth agenda.

The development of the Water Metro is not just a step forward for urban transport but also a leap towards India's vision of sustainable and inclusive growth in the coming decades.