Mumbai Water Metro to Launch from December; Rs 1,200-Crore Project to Transform City Commute

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Mumbai is set to take a major leap in urban mobility with the launch of its much-awaited Water Metro. The Maharashtra government plans to roll out battery-powered ferries in phases starting December, aiming to reduce road congestion and offer faster, eco-friendly connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Ports Minister Nitesh Rane confirmed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted by February 28, laying the groundwork for the ambitious Rs 1,200-crore initiative.

When Will Mumbai Water Metro Launch?



The first phase of the Water Metro is expected to begin operations from December. According to Rane, the rollout will happen in stages, starting within Mumbai city before expanding to adjoining areas in the wider MMR.

After the DPR submission, discussions will be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to finalise feasible routes. Two routes will be prioritised in the initial implementation phase.

The project is likely to receive a formal announcement in the Maharashtra state budget scheduled for March 6.

Planned Routes Across Mumbai

The state government has identified six to eight potential routes across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In the first phase, focus will be on major city corridors to address peak-hour traffic congestion.

Key Proposed Routes:

  • Nariman Point

  • Worli

  • Bandra

  • Juhu

  • Versova

These routes are strategically chosen as they connect commercial hubs, residential neighbourhoods and high-traffic coastal zones.

Additionally, once the Radio Club jetty near the Gateway of India is completed, commuters will be able to travel to the Navi Mumbai International Airport in approximately 40 minutes — significantly reducing travel time compared to road journeys.

Modelled on Kochi Water Metro

Mumbai’s Water Metro project is inspired by the successful model of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which operates India’s first integrated water metro in Kerala..

KMRL has been awarded the contract to prepare the DPR for Mumbai’s proposed water metro. The agency is also conducting water transport studies in 18 cities across 11 states and two union territories under the guidance of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

By adopting Kochi’s battery-powered ferry system, Mumbai aims to integrate sustainable water transport into its public mobility network.

Rs 1,200-Crore Investment

The estimated cost of the Mumbai Water Metro project stands at Rs 1,200 crore. The investment will cover:

  • Procurement of electric-powered ferries

  • Construction and upgrading of jetties

  • Charging infrastructure

  • Passenger terminals

  • Safety and navigation systems

The use of battery-powered boats aligns with India’s broader clean energy push and sustainable transport initiatives.

How Will It Ease Traffic in Mumbai?

Mumbai is one of India’s most congested cities, with millions commuting daily between south Mumbai and the western suburbs. Road corridors such as the Western Express Highway and coastal routes often witness heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.

The Water Metro will provide an alternative transport mode by utilising Mumbai’s vast coastline and creeks — an underutilised natural resource.

Key benefits include:

  • Reduced road congestion

  • Lower carbon emissions

  • Faster point-to-point connectivity

  • Comfortable, scenic commute options

For office-goers travelling between Nariman Point and Bandra or Versova, water transport could become a practical alternative to crowded roads and local trains.

Phased Expansion Across MMR

The government has clarified that the rollout will begin within Mumbai city limits and later expand to the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including adjoining districts.

Once the first two routes demonstrate operational success, additional corridors will be introduced in subsequent phases. The phased model allows authorities to fine-tune operations, passenger demand forecasting and route optimisation.

A New Era of Urban Mobility

The introduction of the Water Metro marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s transport evolution. With projects like the Coastal Road, Metro rail expansion and now water-based commuting, the city is diversifying its mobility ecosystem.

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