Lucknow | The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has proposed the launch of a Water Metro service on the Gomti River, marking a significant step towards strengthening inland water transport and boosting tourism in the state. A technical feasibility report for the project has been presented to Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh by Sanjay Kumar, Director of Kochi Metro, whose expertise has played a key role in India’s first successful water metro system.
The feasibility study has been prepared for operating water metro services at three major locations in Uttar Pradesh. As part of the first phase, plans are underway to start the service on the Gomti River in Lucknow. Subsequently, the project is proposed to be expanded to other prominent water bodies, including the Yamuna River between Agra and Mathura, Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur, Suraha Tal in Ballia, and the Ganga River.
Transport Minister’s Statement
According to a report by The Economic Times, Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said the water metro project would be highly beneficial not only from a tourism perspective but also economically. He noted that the development of water transport would serve as an effective alternative mode of public transportation while also opening new avenues for public recreation and urban mobility.
Key Features of the Water Metro Project
The minister stated that in the first phase, a navigational aid system would be established. The study has also covered several critical components, including an integrated traffic management system, passenger counting system, environmental safeguards, social impact assessment, terminals and jetties, road connectivity, automated fare collection system, electrical infrastructure, boat charging facilities, fire safety systems and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) arrangements.
Based on these assessments, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared to ensure systematic and sustainable implementation of the project.
The Road Ahead
Once the estimated project cost is finalised, the government or the concerned authority will issue tenders for various components of the project. Following the tendering process, agencies will be selected and the project will be implemented in a phased manner.
The Transport Minister has directed departmental officials to expedite all necessary procedures related to the project so that approval for budget allocation can be obtained at the earliest. He has also asked officials to submit detailed information regarding the estimated cost of the water metro project.
The proposed water metro initiative is expected to redefine urban transport in Uttar Pradesh by combining sustainability, tourism promotion and modern public mobility solutions.
