Mumbai’s proposed Water Metro project is moving ahead with fresh discussions on station infrastructure, commuter access and transport integration aimed at improving urban mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A review meeting held at Mantralaya on Wednesday focused on key planning elements of the project, which is expected to offer residents a faster and congestion-free travel alternative through water-based transport connectivity.
During the meeting, the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay, presented detailed concepts and design proposals for several proposed Water Metro stations, according to a social media update shared by Nitesh Rane. The presentation included plans for stations at Belapur, Vashi, Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Officials examined the proposed layouts, docking systems and passenger infrastructure planned under the project. Discussions also covered traffic circulation strategies, passenger handling mechanisms and navigation arrangements for boats expected to operate across the network. Authorities reviewed how the movement and turning of vessels would be managed to ensure smooth operations and commuter safety.
The meeting additionally focused on improving commuter convenience and ensuring efficient integration of the Water Metro system with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai’s existing transport networks, including rail and road-based transit infrastructure. The project is being viewed as a significant initiative to strengthen public transportation through waterways while easing pressure on the city’s heavily burdened suburban railways and road corridors.
The development comes shortly after the Maharashtra Maritime Board invited bids to appoint a project management consultant (PMC) for Mumbai Water Metro Phase 1. The request for proposal (RFP) was issued on April 17 as part of efforts to accelerate implementation of the project.
The overall Water Metro network is planned in three phases, with Phase 1 targeted for completion by 2029. The first phase is estimated to involve civil infrastructure investment of nearly Rs 1,621 crore and will include 16 routes comprising eight existing and eight new corridors.
Under Phase 1, authorities plan to develop and upgrade 26 passenger terminals along with navigational and emergency support infrastructure. While key terminals such as Gateway of India, Nariman Point and Navi Mumbai International Airport are being executed separately by designated agencies, the appointed consultant will be responsible for coordinating integration and interface requirements across the larger Water Metro system.
Source: The Free Press Journal
