June 20, 2025: Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports, Nitesh Rane, has instructed officials to finalise a development plan for the proposed Mumbai Water Metro within three months. The project, envisioned as a vital alternative transport network for the city, is expected to significantly ease urban mobility by utilising the city’s extensive coastline.
The directive follows the submission of a feasibility study by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which had been engaged to conduct a detailed survey for the ambitious initiative. With an estimated budget of Rs 250 crore, the Water Metro aims to connect key waterfront hubs including Bandra, Worli, Versova, south Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai.
Rane emphasised that routes offering the greatest benefit to daily commuters should be given priority. He also underlined the need to keep ticket pricing affordable to ensure widespread use. “The Water Metro will offer seamless connectivity between the suburbs and city centre, with direct links between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of building modern terminals and jetties modelled after metro stations, integrated with existing transport systems to facilitate smoother transitions for passengers.
According to the KMRL’s feasibility report, the proposed blueprint includes 29 terminals across 10 routes, along with infrastructure for passenger amenities and vessel procurement. Rane urged authorities to take Mumbai’s substantial water transport potential into account while drafting the plan, adding, “Work on the Water Metro must begin as soon as possible.”
Once implemented, the Water Metro could transform the city’s transport landscape, offering a cleaner, faster and more efficient commuting option for Mumbai’s growing population.
Source: Construction World
