Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been awarded a ₹4.4 crore consultancy contract by the Maharashtra government to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mumbai Water Metro. The project will be modeled on the Kochi Water Metro, India’s first such initiative, and was finalized through a competitive tender process.
Building on a feasibility study earlier carried out by KMRL’s consultancy wing, the DPR will map out water-based connectivity across nearly 250 km of waterways in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The plan covers stretches such as Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, and Panvel, with 29 terminals and 10 proposed routes.
The project is expected to significantly enhance intermodal connectivity by integrating rail, road, and water transport. Work on the ground is likely to begin in 2026, once the DPR is submitted by the end of this year. For KMRL, the assignment marks an important expansion of its consultancy division and provides a new stream of non-ticket revenue.
Drawing from its experience of implementing the pioneering Kochi Water Metro, KMRL is now extending its expertise to a more complex terrain involving canals, backwaters, port waters, and sea routes in Mumbai. Officials noted that the project reflects the growing demand for sustainable and integrated urban mobility solutions across Indian cities.
Beyond Mumbai, KMRL is also engaged in preparing feasibility studies for Water Metros in 18 cities across 11 states and two union territories under the guidance of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Reports for Patna and Srinagar have already been submitted, while studies for Ahmedabad and Guwahati are in advanced stages and will be evaluated by IWAI for future DPR preparation.
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