Guwahati, May 19: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting in New Delhi to assess the rollout of Water Metro services across the country. The Centre has drawn up plans to introduce the initiative in 18 cities, with Guwahati included in the first phase. Cities such as Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj are also part of Phase I, while Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam have been proposed for Phase II.

The Ministry has circulated the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, for inter-ministerial consultations, signalling a move to establish a national framework for urban water transport. The rollout is intended to transform inland waterways into modern, sustainable and efficient public transport corridors.

Mr Sonowal Emphasized that the Water Metro system is less capital-intensive, as it makes use of existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure. He described the project as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional urban transport, noting its potential to ease congestion while offering commuters a scenic and smoother travel experience.

The Minister stressed the importance of consulting State Governments on the Draft Policy to incorporate their suggestions and ensure effective implementation of the initiative nationwide.