Sarbananda Sonowal Charts Course for Green Urban Mobility
Union Minister reviews operations in Kerala, approves tech feasibility studies for water metro in cities including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur
Maritime News, Kochi, Kerala, India : In a major step towards revamping urban transport with sustainable solutions, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the operations of the Kochi Water Metro, hailing it as a transformative model for modern, eco-friendly, and inclusive urban mobility.
The Minister’s journey across terminals from High Court Junction to Fort Kochi and Vypeen marked the beginning of a broader mission—replicating the Kochi Water Metro model across 24 Indian cities, with a special focus on the northeastern region, including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur.
A Vision Rooted in River Heritage, Driven by Innovation
“The success of the Kochi Water Metro is a shining testament to India’s ability to blend tradition with innovation,” said Sonowal.
With the Ministry now officially approving technical feasibility studies in 24 locations, the Water Metro concept is poised to redefine urban commuting in river-rich cities—bringing together green transport, technology, and last-mile connectivity.
“We’ve Reclaimed the Glory of India’s Waterways”
Reflecting on the broader revival of India’s inland water transport ecosystem, the Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for breathing new life into the country’s rivers.
“Before 2014, our rivers were overlooked and left in ruins. Today, they are powerful engines of growth, connectivity, and sustainability,” he said.
The Water Metro, he noted, is emblematic of this change—comfortable, economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
From Kochi to the Nation: 24 Cities in Focus
The 24-city feasibility plan includes both heritage-rich towns and modern metros, many of which sit along underutilized waterways. Cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur in Assam are expected to benefit significantly from enhanced connectivity, particularly for riverine and low-income communities.
The move also strengthens the government’s emphasis on multi-modal integration, offering a sustainable solution to urban congestion and pollution.
Technology, Safety, and Seamless Travel
The Water Metro integrates with Kochi’s broader urban mobility systems and showcases cutting-edge vessel technology, top-tier safety standards, and commuter-friendly features.
“This initiative reduces traffic and pollution, reconnects people to India’s river heritage, and reflects our civilisational legacy of water navigation,” said Sonowal.
“It’s not just public transport—it’s smart, sustainable nation-building.”
High-Level Team Joins the Ride
The Minister was accompanied by an elite team of government and maritime officials, including:
- Loknath Behera, MD, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.
- Dr. Divya S. Iyer, MD, Vizhinjam International Seaport
- B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust
- Senior directors from Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. and Kochi Water Metro Ltd.
- Dr. K K Nath, Advisor, IWAI
In the visitor’s book, Shri Sonowal called the Water Metro “unique”, adding that it makes water travel “exciting, comfortable, and enjoyable.”
A Blueprint for the Future of Urban Transport
As India pushes forward with sustainable infrastructure under the Maritime India Vision 2030, the Water Metro project is shaping up to be a template for eco-conscious, people-first mobility.
The proposed techno-feasibility studies will guide the next phase of expansion—crafting a network of urban river metros that connect communities, reduce carbon emissions, and bring India’s historic waterways into the heart of its modern cities.
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