November 28, 2025: Mumbai North-West MP Ravindra Waikar has urged the Maharashtra government to introduce a “Water Metro Project” in the city, citing overwhelming pressure on existing road infrastructure due to rapid population growth. Waikar highlighted that Mumbai’s eastern and western corridors—densely populated with slum clusters—have witnessed massive expansion in residents, but vital internal roads and civic infrastructure have not kept pace. As a result, severe traffic congestion has become a daily struggle for citizens. To address this long-term challenge, Waikar has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recommending the adoption of a water-based public transport model similar to the Kochi Water Metro.
Kochi’s Water Metro, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, has already demonstrated its effectiveness. The system has recorded nearly 40 lakh commuters so far, with an average daily ridership of 5,500–6,000 passengers. In its first year alone, over 20 lakh passengers used the service, proving the strong public demand for waterborne transportation in coastal urban regions. Waikar personally experienced the system during the Central Housing and Urban Affairs Committee study visit held from November 15 to 18, where the model was extensively discussed among committee members.
He pointed out that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with a population of around 2.57 crore in 2023, is projected to grow to 2.9 crore by 2030 and further to 3.6–3.8 crore by 2037. According to him, “road-based transport alone will no longer be sufficient” to meet future mobility requirements.
Waikar believes a Water Metro system—leveraging Mumbai’s coastline and natural waterways—can significantly reduce traffic load, improve connectivity, and offer an eco-friendly electric-powered alternative. A preliminary study to assess potential routes is already in progress, covering areas such as Gateway of India, Nariman Point, Worli, Bandra, Versova, Borivali, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai, Vashi, Belapur, NMIA, Kalyan, Mumbra, and Kalher.
He also recalled raising a request in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377 for special infrastructure funding for Mumbai, following which the Union Minister of State for Finance informed the House that Rs 3,83,147 crore has been allocated for Maharashtra’s infrastructure development.
In his letter, Waikar urged the state to begin formal planning for the Water Metro and convene a dedicated meeting with all relevant authorities. He also suggested inviting the Kochi Metro team for technical guidance and requested that he be included in the deliberations.
