Maharashtra has moved a step closer towards establishing a modern urban water transport network after the Maharashtra Maritime Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norwegian maritime technology company Hyke AS for the proposed Mumbai Water Metro project.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, aims to introduce advanced, environmentally sustainable water transport vessels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The collaboration will also explore the possibility of setting up shipbuilding facilities in Maharashtra, potentially strengthening the state’s maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the initiative as the beginning of a “new chapter in modern water transport” in India, adding that the project could significantly improve urban mobility in Mumbai by reducing pressure on the city’s overcrowded road and rail systems.
Speaking after the signing ceremony at Varsha residence, Fadnavis said the state government has been working consistently over the past decade to develop sustainable water-based transportation infrastructure. He noted that Mumbai now has a comprehensive water transport plan in place, creating demand for technologically advanced and eco-friendly vessels.
“Water transport offers immense opportunities across the country. The demand for sustainable urban mobility solutions will increase rapidly in the coming years, and the Mumbai model can become a guiding framework for other cities as well,” the Chief Minister said.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd has prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Water Metro project. The plan includes the modernisation of 24 terminals across 21 existing routes in the MMR, along with the construction of 21 additional terminals on 10 proposed routes.
Hyke AS specialises in developing innovative urban water transport vessels and has expressed interest in establishing shipbuilding operations in Maharashtra. Officials believe this could generate skilled employment and accelerate maritime sector growth in the state.
Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane called the partnership a major milestone for Maharashtra’s maritime development efforts. He said collaboration with an international technology company would provide momentum to shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and maritime skill development initiatives.
Several senior state officials and international delegates attended the signing ceremony, including Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO Pradeep P., Hyke AS Chairman Charles Pemberoke Beers, Norway Honorary Consul General Monica Nagelgaard, and Sweden Consul General Sven Osterberg.
Source: The Free Press Journal
