Mumbai: The proposed Mumbai Water Metro Project for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has moved into the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) appointed as the consultant for preparing the comprehensive project blueprint.
The development follows a demand raised in Parliament under Rule 377 by Mumbai North West Member of Parliament Ravindra Waikar, seeking a dedicated infrastructure package for Mumbai and the introduction of water-based mass transit to address chronic congestion in the region.
Scope of DPR and Technical Assessment
According to an official communication from the Maharashtra Maritime Board, KMRL will undertake a detailed technical, operational, and financial assessment covering:
• Passenger demand and traffic analysis
• Identification and assessment of navigable waterways
• Maritime safety and navigation requirements
• Terminal infrastructure, jetties, and vessel specifications
• Operations and management framework
• Capital and operational cost estimates
• Financial structuring and viability
• Phased implementation roadmap
The information was conveyed to MP Waikar by Capt. Pravin Khara, Navigation Advisor and Chief Port Officer, Maharashtra Maritime Board.
Strategic Rationale: Congestion and Population Growth
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region continues to witness rapid population growth without a proportional expansion in road-based infrastructure. Daily congestion has resulted in significant productivity losses, fuel wastage, and environmental costs.
Official estimates suggest the MMR population may increase from approximately 25.8 million in 2023 to over 30 million by 2030, intensifying pressure on existing transport systems. In this context, water-based transit is being examined as an alternative mass transport solution.
MP Waikar studied the Kochi Water Metro system during an official visit as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, following which the proposal for Mumbai was advanced under Sagarmala Programme 2.0.
Funding Framework and Central Allocation
The proposed funding model envisages:
• 60 per cent contribution from the Central Government
• 40 per cent contribution from the Maharashtra Government
In response to the parliamentary demand for a special infrastructure package, the Minister of State for Finance informed Parliament that the Central Government has allocated ₹3.83 lakh crore for infrastructure projects in Maharashtra over a three-year period.
MP Waikar has requested that priority from this allocation be extended to the Mumbai Water Metro Project, alongside ongoing Metro rail and suburban railway expansion.
Feasibility Study Findings
KMRL submitted a feasibility report in August 2025, identifying:
• 21 potential water transport locations
• 10 proposed passenger water routes
The study covers waterways connecting Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Vasai, and Mira-Bhayandar, with the objective of creating an integrated passenger water transport network across the MMR.
Next Steps
Preparation of the Detailed Project Report and the implementation framework is currently underway. The final DPR is expected to outline route prioritisation, investment requirements, timelines, and institutional responsibilities for execution.
If approved, the Mumbai Water Metro Project could mark a significant shift towards multimodal and water-based urban mobility in India’s financial capital.
