Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The proposed Goa Water Metro has taken a significant step forward with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) beginning work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR), while simultaneously launching a series of technical studies that will determine the project’s design and feasibility.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said the State government has asked KMRL to complete the DPR within four months, shortening the original six-month timeline mentioned in the work order.
KMRL Chief General Manager Shaji Janardhanam said the agency received the work order on July 24 and has already initiated field-level activities. As part of the process, KMRL has started engaging with village panchayats and local residents to understand their concerns and gather feedback.
He said one such interaction was recently held in Chorao, where residents raised several issues related to the project. According to Janardhanam, public awareness will play a key role in addressing misconceptions and ensuring local participation as planning progresses.
Alongside public consultations, KMRL has begun the process of appointing specialised agencies to carry out traffic analysis, topographical mapping, bathymetric surveys and other technical investigations that will support preparation of the DPR.
While the contract allows six months for submission of the report, Janardhanam said the agency will make every effort to meet the State government’s request for an earlier completion.
The initial phase of the proposed Water Metro will assess river connectivity across nine corridors linking important locations such as Panaji, Betim, Divar, Chodan, Vanxim, Sarmanas, Narve, Cortalim, Aldona, Madkai, Adpai and Durbhat. Officials said additional routes may be considered in future depending on the project’s viability and commuter response.
A preliminary feasibility assessment has pegged the investment for the project at around ₹3,200 crore, though the final cost will be determined only after completion of the DPR and related technical studies.
The proposed transport system is expected to deploy a fleet of electric boats with varying passenger capacities, with the final number and specifications to be decided after the detailed assessment.
Plans for the Water Metro also include a modern ticketing system, discounted travel passes for regular commuters, special passes for tourists, seamless connectivity for passengers arriving through Goa’s airports and digital passenger management features designed to improve efficiency and commuter convenience.
