City of Joy, City of Jetties: Kolkata’s Water Metro Era Begins

Kolkata has been selected as one of the cities to be included in India’s expanding Water Metro programme, aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility through the efficient utilisation of inland waterways.

The project is expected to be taken up in the second phase of the national rollout following the implementation of the Water Metro system in Kochi and similar initiatives planned in cities such as Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. The proposed Kolkata Water Metro is intended to modernise passenger transport along the Hooghly River by gradually replacing conventional ferry services with battery-powered and hybrid vessels equipped with diesel backup systems for operational reliability.

As part of the project, authorities plan to develop 44 modern jetties and associated river transport infrastructure. Approvals have already been obtained for the majority of the proposed locations, paving the way for further project development. The initiative will also include the construction of contemporary passenger terminals, floating pontoons, charging and bunkering facilities, navigational support systems and commuter amenities designed to ensure accessibility and convenience for all users, including persons with disabilities.

The project is expected to be funded jointly by the Central and State Governments, with opportunities for private sector participation through public-private partnership (PPP) models in selected infrastructure components. Once operational, the Water Metro is anticipated to ease road traffic congestion, enhance connectivity between Kolkata and Howrah, provide a cleaner and more energy-efficient mode of transport and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the region’s river-based transportation network.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.