Ernakulam: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has won the contract to chart Mumbai's Water Metro project. According to a press release, the KMRL will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) modelled on the Kochi Water Metro. The Maharashtra Government awarded the ₹4.4 crore consultancy assignment through a competitive tender process.

The DPR will build upon the feasibility study earlier prepared by KMRL’s consultancy wing, which explored water metro connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The project will cover nearly 250 km of waterways, such as Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, and Panvel, with 29 terminals and 10 proposed routes. The assignment is expected to open up significant opportunities for KMRL’s consultancy division, while also creating an additional stream of non-ticket revenue for the organisation.

“Kochi Metro has taken on the very challenging responsibility of preparing detailed plans for implementing the Water Metro in Mumbai, across a diverse terrain of 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 Water Metro project in Maharashtra will boost intermodal connectivity by integrating rail, road, and river transport. The DPR will be submitted by the end of this year, enabling the Maharashtra government to commence work in 2026," he added.

Beyond Mumbai, acting on directions from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), KMRL has taken up feasibility studies for Water Metros in 18 cities across 11 states and two union territories. Reports for Patna and Srinagar have been submitted, while studies for Ahmedabad and Guwahati are nearing completion. These reports will be evaluated by IWAI, paving the way for future DPR preparation,” said M Shaji P Janardhanan, Chief General Manager, Water Transport, Kochi Metro.