India Mumbai to Build World’s Largest Water Metro Network With ₹6,066 Crore Investment Adarsh SinghJuly 11, 202602 views Maharashtra Approves Mega Water Metro Project to Transform Mumbai’s Public Transport The Maharashtra government has announced plans to develop the world’s largest Water Metro network in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with an investment of ₹6,066 crore, marking one of India’s biggest urban mobility projects. The ambitious initiative will create a 340-km water transport network featuring 33 routes, 44 passenger terminals, and 203 electric hybrid vessels, aiming to ease road congestion, reduce travel time, and promote sustainable public transportation. Once completed, the network is expected to become the largest Water Metro system in the world, serving nearly 75 million passengers annually by 2031. What Will the Mumbai Water Metro Project Include? The project has been designed to integrate waterways into Mumbai’s public transport ecosystem, offering commuters an alternative to the city’s heavily congested roads and suburban rail network. Key highlights include: 340-km Water Metro network 33 passenger routes 44 modern terminals 203 electric-hybrid boats ₹6,066 crore total investment 75 million expected passengers by 2031 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mumbai’s long-term traffic challenges cannot be solved through roads and railways alone, making water-based transportation a crucial part of the state’s future mobility strategy. The government is also exploring complementary transport projects, including a pod taxi system in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). IDfy Wins MeitY–NeGD DPDP Innovation Challenge, Strengthening India’s Enterprise Privacy Ecosystem READ MORE Electric Boat Manufacturing Facility Planned in Sindhudurg To support the project, the Maharashtra Maritime Board has signed an MoU with Zoya Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. for the supply of Water Metro vessels and the establishment of a dedicated electric boat manufacturing facility. The plant will be developed over 22 acres in Sindhudurg with an investment of around ₹150 crore. The facility will manufacture advanced electric-hybrid boats for the Mumbai Water Metro while strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities. How Will the Project Benefit Maharashtra? Apart from improving connectivity, the project is expected to generate significant economic and environmental benefits. According to Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, the initiative will strengthen Maharashtra’s maritime economy, create employment opportunities for local youth, encourage modern shipbuilding technologies, and promote environmentally friendly transportation. The government also expects the project to reduce carbon emissions, improve travel efficiency, and support industrial growth across coastal districts. A Major Push Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility The Mumbai Water Metro project reflects Maharashtra’s broader vision of building a greener and smarter transport ecosystem. By leveraging the city’s coastline and waterways, the government aims to reduce dependence on traditional road transport while creating a faster, cleaner, and more efficient public transit network. If implemented as planned, Mumbai will become home to the world’s largest Water Metro network, setting a global benchmark for sustainable urban transportation.