The Centre has advanced plans to roll out water metro projects in 18 cities across India under the proposed Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026.
Phase I projects will cover Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj, while Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam are proposed for Phase II. The projects are designed to reduce urban congestion, improve connectivity and promote tourism through eco-friendly public transport.
The framework includes development of ferries, terminals, jetties, charging infrastructure and navigational aids, with funding models ranging from centre-state partnerships to public private partnerships. The Inland Waterways Authority of India has already commissioned feasibility studies for all 18 cities, and reports for Srinagar, Patna, Guwahati, Varanasi and Ayodhya have been approved.