Mumbai Launches Water Metro Project: 16 Routes and 26 Terminals to Ease Congestion

A major transport change will soon reshape how people move around Mumbai. If daily travel by metro, bus, or local trains feels tiring, a new option for Mumbaikars is on the horizon. The Government of Maharashtra is planning to introduce the Mumbai Water Metro Project, offering a fresh way to commute across the city and nearby regions.

The plan has already taken an important step forward. The Maharashtra Maritime Board, under the state’s transport and ports department, has issued a tender for the project. This signals that the proposal is moving beyond planning and could soon take shape on the ground.

What is the Mumbai Water Metro Project? All you need to know

The project aims to build a structured water transport network linking Mumbai with surrounding areas such as Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Vasai, and Mira-Bhayandar. With the city surrounded by the sea and creeks, water transport is being seen as a practical and eco-friendly alternative that could ease road congestion and cut travel time.

16 Routes and 26 Terminals—Phase 1 of the Mumbai Water Metro Project

In its first phase, the project will cover 16 routes. Of these, 8 are existing routes that will be upgraded, while 8 new routes will be added to expand the network. The plan also includes the development of 26 terminals across key locations.

| Existing Routes | New Routes | |-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Versova-Madh | Vasai-Mira-Bhayander | | Borivali/Marve-Esselworld | Jessel Park – Fountain – Gaimukh – Nagla Bunder – Nagale – Kalher | | Marve -Manori | Vashi-Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) | | Gateway of India – Elephanta | Belapur-NMIA | | Gateway of India – Mandwa | Gateway of India – NMIA | | New Ferry Wharf – Mandwa | Gateway of India – Vashi | | Belapur-Nerul | Kalyan – Dombivli – Mumbra – Kalher – Kolshet | | Belapur-Elephanta | Bandra – Worli – Nariman Point |

Phase 1 of the Mumbai Water Metro Project also involves the development and upgrading of 26 terminals, along with the setup of navigation and emergency infrastructure.

| Sl. No. | Terminal Location | Sl. No. | Terminal Location | |-------------|-----------------------|-------------|-----------------------| | 1 | Vasai | 13 | Belapur | | 2 | Mira Bhayandar | 14 | Gateway of India | | 3 | Jessel Park | 15 | Kalyan | | 4 | Fountain Junction | 16 | Mumbra | | 5 | Gaimukh | 17 | Dombivali | | 6 | Nagle Bunder | 18 | Kolshet | | 7 | Nagale | 19 | Versova | | 8 | Kalher | 20 | Madh | | 9 | Vashi | 21 | Borivali | | 10 | NMIA | 22 | Bandra | | 11 | Marve | 23 | Mandwa | | 12 | Manori | 24 | Elephanta | | 25 | Worli | 26 | Nariman Point |

Why Mumbai is planning to expand passenger water transport?

Rapid population growth: Mumbai’s population is increasing quickly, leading to a higher demand for daily transportation. This surge puts immense pressure on existing infrastructure.

Overcrowded roads: The city’s road network is heavily congested, with long travel times and frequent traffic jams becoming a daily challenge for commuters.

Strain on Railways: Mumbai’s suburban railway system, one of the busiest in the world, is operating beyond its capacity, causing overcrowding and discomfort for passengers.

These factors highlighted that Mumbai needs better transport, and the Government of Maharashtra is considering expanding water transport.

Mumbai Water Metro Project begins—first tender for project consultant

The Maharashtra Maritime Board, under the Home Department (Transport and Ports) of the Government of Maharashtra, has issued a tender. They are inviting companies to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP). The purpose of this RFP is to select a consultant who will help with the project.

This consultant will be responsible for:

- Selection of Project Management - Design, Procurement Support - Supervision Consultant for the Development and Upgradation of the Terminal - Navigational and Emergency Infrastructure

What benefits can commuters expect from the Water Metro Project?

Faster travel across key routes

- The Mumbai Water Metro Project is expected to reduce travel time significantly on major routes connecting Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Kalyan, and other nearby areas. - By using waterways, commuters can avoid road congestion and crowded rail networks.

Reduced pressure on trains and roads

- A major benefit of the project will be the shift of passenger load from local trains and buses to water transport. - This will help reduce overcrowding in Mumbai’s suburban rail system and ease traffic congestion on busy city roads.

Improved comfort and convenience

- Commuters will get access to modern water metro services designed for better comfort and reliability. - With planned terminals and organised boarding systems, travel is expected to become smoother and more structured compared to current ferry services.

Modern terminal facilities

- The project includes the development and upgrading of multiple terminals across the region. - These terminals are expected to offer improved passenger amenities such as waiting areas, better connectivity, safety systems, and efficient boarding and deboarding facilities.

Eco-Friendly Mode of Transport

- The water metro system will promote cleaner and greener travel by reducing dependence on road vehicles. - This shift is expected to help lower carbon emissions and support a more sustainable urban transport system in Mumbai.

Mumbai Water Metro Project background: Key facts you should know

Existing water transport network

- Mumbai currently facilitates approximately 1.6 crore passengers annually through water transport services operating across 21 existing routes.

Planning and Feasibility Studies

- A comprehensive Pre-Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report (DPR) were prepared by Kochi Water Metro Limited (KMWL). The study provides a structured roadmap for the project.

Implementation Model (PPP Framework)

- The project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with clearly defined roles:

Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB) / Authority:

- Responsible for the development of civil infrastructure - Provision of terminal structures and associated facilities

Private Concessionaires:

- Procurement of vessels - Operation of water transport services - Maintenance of fleet and operational systems

Overall, the Mumbai Water Metro Project aims to make travel faster, easier, and less crowded by using waterways.