The Maharashtra government is working on a modern passenger water transportation system for Mumbai and its surrounding areas. The project is inspired by the Kochi Water Metro, which launched in 2021. Maharashtra’s minister for ports and fisheries, Nitesh Rane, has confirmed the plan.
The project will introduce a water metro in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It will follow a similar model to Kochi, which uses battery-powered boats on inland waterways. The authorities of the Kochi Water Metro will submit a detailed project report (DPR) for Mumbai.
The report is expected to be completed within two months. The water metro service may begin by early 2026.
Despite Maharashtra's long coastline of 720 km, water transport remains underutilised. The Maharashtra Maritime Board has attempted to expand passenger ferry services, but these efforts have not succeeded. The western coast of Mumbai faces strong waves, making operations difficult for half the year. Financial viability has also been a concern.
Currently, only a few water transport routes connect Mumbai to Alibaug and Navi Mumbai along the eastern coast. However, security restrictions due to defence installations limit expansion.
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