A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and Norway’s Hyke AS for the Mumbai Water Metro project. The project, spanning 340 km in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), aims to enhance passenger water transport. The initiative, modeled after the Kochi Water Metro, involves upgrading existing terminals and constructing new ones.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd outlines the project’s scope, including the upgradation of 24 existing terminals and the construction of 21 new terminals. Phase 1 of the project will focus on connecting high-traffic coastal zones, the new airport, and various key locations in the region. The initiative is set to commence in December this year and is projected to cater to 7.5 crore passengers by 2031.
The Mumbai Water Metro project, developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, requires an investment of Rs 6,600 crore for infrastructure and vessels. The state government aims to establish an eco-friendly water transport system to meet the region’s increasing transportation needs. The project is expected to revolutionize modern water transport in India.
Efforts are underway to expedite the Mumbai Water Metro project, with the bidding process for a Project Management Consultant (PMC) nearing completion. Minister Nitesh Rane has instructed officials to accelerate the development of an integrated online ticketing system for seamless water transport services. The state is also identifying land for dedicated shipyards to manufacture the required electric/hybrid vessels locally.
