Kolkata: Kolkata has decided to join the countrywide water metro network, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Thursday. While the water metro is in operation in Kochi since December 2021, it is set to be rolled out in Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj in the first phase. Kolkata, the 18th city to join the project, is likely to feature in the second phase.
Approval and Planning
The proposal has received approval from Union minister of state for shipping Shantanu Thakur. The Centre has already identified 17 riverine and coastal cities for water metro services. Kolkata will now join the list as the 18th water metro in the country, Adhikari said. He also informed that 44 new jetties will be set up. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust has given 41 no-objection certificates (NOCs), while three more NOCs are pending, the chief minister added.
Detailed Project Report and Vessel Features
Sources said a detailed project report on Kolkata Water Metro will be commissioned soon. The modern water transit system is likely to replace the existing age-old ferries that operate between jetties in Kolkata and Howrah along the Hooghly River. The boats that will be deployed can be operated in battery and hybrid mode. While the boats will essentially be battery-powered, they can be powered by a diesel generator in case of emergency. The boats and terminals will be fully disabled-friendly. The interior design and ergonomics may be a mix between a modern air-conditioned local train and a metro coach.
National Water Policy and Funding
In a draft National Water Policy circulated last month, ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal pointed out that the proposed water metro systems are significantly less capital-intensive as they utilise existing waterways with minimal civil infrastructure. The system can help reduce urban congestion and provide an alternative mode of transport with lower operating costs, Sonowal said. The funding is likely to be shared between the Centre and the state, with the possibility of a public-private partnership for development of terminals, pontoons, jetties, charging and bunkering infrastructure, passenger facilities and navigational aids.
Ghat Renovation
Adhikari also said Baghbazar Ghat, Sovabazar Ghat, Babughat Ghat, Ahiritola Ghat, Mullick Ghat, Ramkrishna Ghat and Bandha Ghat are being renovated. Three ghats have already been renovated and work is underway at the rest and will be completed by Durga Puja, he added.
Key Features of Kolkata Water Metro
- 50-100-seat battery-powered vessels with diesel generator for emergency use; likely to have AC and non-AC sections
- Terminals, pontoons, jetties, charging and bunkering infrastructure, passenger facilities and navigational aids to be developed
- Centre and the state likely to share funding with possibility of a public-private partnership
