Water Metro – Govt to Launch Water Metro in 18 Cities, Just ₹40 Fare, Free Wi-Fi

Water Metro: People appear to be deeply distressed by the rising prices of gas cylinders, vegetables, petrol, and diesel. Residents state that, given their limited income and mounting expenses, managing a household has become extremely difficult amid the current inflation. Commuting from home to the office has also become significantly more expensive. Against this backdrop,

India is soon set to introduce a new mode of transportation for its citizens. The Central Government is currently preparing to launch Water Metro services in 18 cities. The objective of this initiative is to alleviate urban traffic congestion and provide people with an affordable and comfortable commuting experience. In the first phase of the project, the government has selected cities such as Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj for the Water Metro service. It is anticipated that these services will be rolled out in these locations in the near future.

What is a Water Metro?
The Water Metro is a service designed to transport people from one location to another via waterways, utilising large electric or hybrid boats. It functions exactly like a conventional metro train system, but operates across rivers, lakes, or backwaters.

The government notes that constructing a Water Metro system entails significantly lower costs compared to a standard metro rail project. It requires minimal land acquisition and can be commissioned within a relatively short timeframe. Plans are now being formulated to introduce this service across numerous cities throughout the country.

The Water Metro in Kerala
India’s first Water Metro service is the Kochi Water Metro. It was inaugurated in 2023 in Kochi, Kerala. Today, it has emerged as a major convenience for both local residents and tourists alike. The network comprises 38 stations and operates daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Water Metro: Affordable and Convenient
The Water Metro system is expected to be considerably more affordable than traditional metro rail projects. This is primarily because it utilises existing waterways, thereby requiring minimal civil construction work. Water Metro projects can be completed within a shorter duration. Furthermore, the project requires less land acquisition, and the use of electric and hybrid ferries helps to reduce operational costs. “This is precisely why it is emerging as a superior and eco-friendly alternative to traditional urban transportation.”

What is the Fare?
The fare for the Kochi Water Metro has been kept quite affordable. The maximum ticket price is around ₹40. Additionally, regular commuters can opt for weekly or monthly passes. A weekly pass costs ₹180, while a monthly pass costs ₹600. It is anticipated that the fares for the new Water Metro services set to launch in Varanasi, Srinagar, and other cities will also be determined with the common person’s budget in mind.

Special Features Offered
Passengers on the Water Metro are provided with a range of amenities. These include facilities such as free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, CCTV cameras, and life jackets. The boats feature comfortable seating, allowing passengers to enjoy scenic views during their journey.