In a fresh push for sustainable urban development, Goa’s long-discussed water taxi project is finally making progress. A team from Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the experts behind India’s first water metro in Kochi, will visit Goa next month to conduct a feasibility study. KMRL experts will assess potential routes, infrastructure requirements, and operational models across Goa’s inland waterways. With four key routes already proposed, including Panaji to Old Goa and Vasco to Margao, the project aims to modernise local transport and draw inspiration from the successful Kochi Water Metro. The findings of this study will shape future decisions on implementation, vessel types, and energy sources, bringing Goa closer to launching its own water metro network. This project is part of a larger central government plan to introduce water taxis in 18 cities across India.
Goa’s Proposed Routes for the Initial Phase of the Water Taxi Project
- Panaji – Divar – Old Goa
- Panaji – Chorao Island
- Vasco – Margao – Cortalim
- Calangute – Baga – Candolim
How Water Metro Works
A water metro is a rapidly growing public transport system that operates on inland waterways using ferries or boats, similar to how buses or metros run on roads and rails. It is designed to provide fast, safe, and most importantly, eco-friendly transport for passengers across rivers, lakes, or coastal areas within a city or region.