Goa Water Metro Project Fast-Tracked After Chief Minister's Delhi Push

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Friday that the proposed water metro project in Goa, initially scheduled for a later phase, has now been prioritised for Phase 1 implementation. The decision follows a request from Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during a visit to Delhi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new Captain of Ports department building in Panaji, Sonowal said, 'I am particularly happy to share that the Goa water metro project, which was earlier envisaged in a later phase, has now been brought into Phase 1 implementation priority. It is because the chief minister visited Delhi and requested me that it should be done for Goa.'

The project aims to improve daily transportation and boost tourism in the coastal state. A feasibility study conducted by Kochi Metro Rail Limited identified eight feasible routes out of 28 surveyed locations across Goa. The study assessed potential routes and passenger demand for a water taxi network.

Sonowal drew parallels with the successful Kochi Water Metro, which began operations in 2023 and has become a model for urban water transport in India. 'If a water metro can be implemented successfully in Kochi, then along the same lines, it should be specifically promoted in Goa too,' he said.

The Goa water metro is expected to connect key points along the state's rivers and coastlines, providing an alternative to road transport and reducing congestion. The project will be executed under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with detailed planning and funding modalities yet to be finalised.

Officials said the project aligns with the central government's Sagarmala programme, which promotes port-led development and coastal shipping. Goa, known for its tourist attractions and narrow roads, stands to benefit from an efficient water transport system that can serve both residents and visitors.