KMRL to study feasibility of projects
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Board has decided to explore Water Metro in full or part in 17 cities across 12 states of India.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have been appointed to carry out a feasibility study on the potential of such development, said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on 21 Feb.
This initiative will provide a robust and sustainable urban transport system by utilising existing navigable waterways.
The Water Metro model represents a breakthrough in urban water transportation, offering safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional modes of transport https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
Leveraging India’s rich network of rivers, canals and other water bodies, the project will focus on cities with significant potential for urban water transport system https://sbi.com.in/.
The 17 cities chosen by IWAI, in consultation with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for developing water metro include – Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey in Kerala as well as Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands where inter-island ferry services could transform connectivity https://www.nseindia.com/.
The Urban Water Transport System will connect mainland and adjoining municipalities, panchayat areas and islands through waterways and integrate the system with other modes of transport https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Besides, it will promote tourism and regional economic growth. It will employ non-polluting and sustainable measures through energy-efficient electric ferries, modernised terminals and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth https://www.bseindia.com/.
“With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country – from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West and Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South.”
In line with Harit Nauka guidelines, the Authority has taken multiple green initiatives which includes procurement of electric catamarans for passenger ferries https://www.ibef.org/.
Two such catamarans have already been deployed, one each at Varanasi and Ayodhya. Six more shall be deployed soon in Mathura and Guwahati.
One hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel has also been procured which recently completed the trials successfully.
The move to strengthen urban water transport system by developing water metro projects will be an extension to these proactive initiatives being taken by the Authority, the Ministry said. fiinews.com
