GUWAHATI, May 19: Guwahati has been selected among the first cities for the rollout of Water Metro services under a new nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable urban transport through inland waterways, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday following a high-level review meeting.
As part of the proposed expansion, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has also initiated consultations on the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, which seeks to establish a structured framework for water-based public transport systems across the country.
The first phase of implementation will cover Guwahati along with Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. In Assam, Tezpur and Dibrugarh have additionally been proposed for inclusion under the second phase of the project.
The proposed system is being designed on the lines of the Kochi Water Metro model and is intended to provide cities with a cleaner and more efficient public transport alternative by utilising navigable waterways. Authorities believe the initiative can help ease traffic congestion while creating an integrated and modern mobility network.
Speaking during the review meeting, Sonowal said Water Metro projects would require relatively lower investment compared to conventional transport infrastructure because they make use of existing waterways and require limited civil construction. He noted that the projects would also benefit from shorter construction timelines, minimal land acquisition and lower operating costs through the use of electric and hybrid ferries.
According to the Ministry, the Water Metro system is being envisioned as a mass transportation network serving daily commuters as well as tourism-related activities. The proposed framework includes the development of vessels, terminals, jetties, charging facilities, passenger amenities and navigational infrastructure.
The minister said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed emphasis on environmentally sustainable transport solutions through green technologies, including hybrid and electric propulsion systems, while also encouraging periodic technological upgrades.
Officials said the proposed policy also focuses on standardisation in vessel design, safety systems and infrastructure while promoting indigenous vessel manufacturing and stronger integration with existing transport networks.
Explaining the selection process, Sonowal said priority would be given to cities with navigable waterways and populations exceeding one million, particularly those with significant transport requirements and tourism potential. However, he added that flexibility could be considered in regions where such projects improve connectivity to remote areas, reduce traffic pressure or strengthen transport resilience during emergencies and floods.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India had earlier assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited to conduct feasibility studies across 18 locations. Officials stated that draft feasibility reports for 17 cities have already been completed, while reports for Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi and Ayodhya have been accepted.
Sonowal also emphasised that Water Metro terminals and related infrastructure should reflect India’s maritime heritage and local identity through suitable architectural designs and materials. He further highlighted the need to engage students and younger generations to create greater awareness about the role of waterways in India’s evolving transport sector.
Describing the initiative as a major development opportunity, the minister said the project aims not only to improve urban mobility but also to reshape city landscapes through sustainable and future-ready transport systems.
