Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) bagged the contract to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for Mumbai’s proposed water metro, a first-of-its-kind initiative for the city. The Rs 4.4 crore consultancy assignment was awarded by the Maharashtra govt through a competitive tender.
The DPR will build on the feasibility study earlier carried out by KMRL’s consultancy wing, which examined water-based commuter links across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The proposed network will span nearly 250 km of waterways, with 29 terminals and 10 routes, connecting key stretches such as Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja.
“Kochi Metro has taken on the very challenging responsibility of preparing detailed plans for implementing the Water Metro in Mumbai, across canals, backwaters, port waters, and sea routes. Our expertise from Kochi’s pioneering Water Metro is now being extended to create sustainable mobility solutions for other cities,” said Loknath Behera, Managing Director, KMRL. The report is expected to be submitted by year-end, enabling the state to begin groundwork in 2026.
Officials said the project will not only provide sustainable and affordable connectivity but also strengthen intermodal integration with road and rail. For KMRL, the assignment marks a big step in establishing its consultancy arm as a national-level player, much like Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) did in the metro sector.
KMRL is already carrying out water transport studies in 18 cities across 11 states and two union territories on the directions of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Reports for Patna and Srinagar were submitted, while those for Ahmedabad and Guwahati are nearing completion. “These studies will pave the way for DPR preparation in other cities as well,” said Shaji P. Janardhanan, chief general manager, Water Transport, KMRL.
Industry experts believe that with projects like Mumbai’s water metro, KMRL could soon emerge as an international brand in sustainable urban water transport.