Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Government has initiated the next stage of its proposed Water Metro project by appointing Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is expected to be completed within the next three to four months.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said the DPR will determine the project’s technical, financial and operational roadmap. The report will shortlist nine routes for implementation in the first phase from a proposed network of 14 routes, while also evaluating project costs, tourism opportunities and future expansion.
The Minister said the proposal received priority consideration from the Central Government after it was pursued by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the project is expected to provide a modern alternative for river transport and help reduce pressure on Goa’s road network.
KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behara said the Water Metro is presently estimated to cost around ₹3,100 crore, based on the feasibility study. However, he clarified that the final project cost will be determined only after the DPR is completed.
According to Behara, the proposed network will extend over 111 kilometres and will be implemented in two phases. The first phase envisages the development of 32 terminals connecting urban centres and surrounding villages through nine identified routes.
He said the Water Metro fleet will consist of battery-powered electric boats, designed specifically to operate in Goa’s river systems with minimal environmental impact. KMRL has already initiated discussions with Goa Shipyard Limited regarding the construction of the vessels.
The DPR will also specify the number of boats required, their dimensions, passenger capacity, battery systems, operational standards and safety features.
Officials said environmental conservation will be a key factor in the project’s design, with special emphasis on safeguarding Goa’s rivers, biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems while introducing an efficient and sustainable mode of public transport.
