Synopsis
The IWAI Board has embarked on a feasibility study to develop Water Metro systems in 17 cities across India, aiming to improve urban water transport and promote sustainable connectivity using existing waterways.Key Takeaways
- Feasibility study for Water Metro in 17 cities.
- Collaboration with Kochi Metro Rail Limited.
- Focus on sustainable urban water transport systems.
- Integration with other transport modes.
- Promotion of tourism and regional economic growth.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Board has announced the commencement of a feasibility study aimed at developing Water Metro systems in 17 cities nationwide, according to an official statement released on Friday.
"The Board has resolved to investigate the viability of Water Metro systems, either fully or partially, in 17 cities across 12 states of India. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been designated to execute the feasibility study," the statement noted.
The selected cities for the IWAI project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, include Ayodhya, Dhubri, Panaji, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), and Alleppey in Kerala, along with the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands where inter-island ferry services could revolutionize connectivity.
This project aims to establish a robust and sustainable urban water transport system by utilizing the existing navigable waterways. The Water Metro model signifies a major advancement in urban water transportation, presenting safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional modes of transport, as per the statement.
By capitalizing on India's extensive network of rivers, canals, and other water bodies, the project will target cities with significant potential for urban water transport systems, according to the IWAI.
The urban water transport network will link mainland areas with adjacent municipalities, panchayats, and islands via waterways and will integrate with other transport modes. Additionally, it will foster tourism and stimulate regional economic development. Employing non-polluting, sustainable practices through energy-efficient electric ferries and modern terminals, it will ensure seamless multimodal connectivity, the statement added.
"IWAI is broadening its reach across the country from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West, and from Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South," the statement mentioned.
In accordance with the Harit Nauka guidelines, the Authority has initiated multiple green initiatives, including the acquisition of electric catamarans for passenger ferry services. Two such catamarans have already been deployed, one each in Varanasi and Ayodhya, with six more set to launch soon in Mathura and Guwahati.
Additionally, one hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel has been secured, having successfully completed trials recently. The initiative to enhance the urban water transport system through the development of Water Metro projects is an extension of these proactive measures undertaken by the Authority, the statement concluded.
