Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has chaired a review meeting in New Delhi on the rollout of the much-anticipated Water Metro services in the country. The Union Minister said the Centre has advanced plans to roll out Water Metro services in 18 cities, with Guwahati among those identified for Phase I. 

 

Cities including Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj are also part of Phase I, while Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam have been proposed for Phase II of the project. The Ministry has simultaneously circulated the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, for inter-ministerial consultations, indicating a push to formalise a national framework for urban water transport. The proposed rollout aims to transform inland waterways into efficient, sustainable, and modern public transport corridors.

 

Highlighting the initiative, Mr Sonowal said the proposed Water Metro system is significantly less capital-intensive, as it utilises existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure. The Minister said the initiative offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional urban transport. He added that these services will contribute to reducing congestion in cities while offering a comfortable, scenic, and smoother commuting experience. 

 

The Minister also emphasised the need for consultation of the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026 with the State Governments for receiving their suggestions on the initiative.