PANAJI
The ambitious Goa Water Metro project has moved into the detailed planning stage, with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) commencing work on the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) while simultaneously initiating key technical studies pertaining to traffic and topography, as required for the project.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said KMRL has formally begun work on the DPR, which the State government expects to be completed within four months, instead of the six months stipulated in the work order.
Following a meeting with the Minister, KMRL Chief General Manager Shaji Janardhanam said the work order was issued on July 24 and the agency has already started consultations with local stakeholders.
"We have started interacting with panchayats. We recently held consultations with the panchayat and villagers in Chorao, where various concerns were raised. We need to improve awareness and understanding so that these concerns can be addressed," Janardhanam said.
He said KMRL has also floated tenders for traffic studies, topographical surveys and bathymetric studies, among other technical assessments, and will engage private agencies to undertake these assignments.
"We request the State government to create awareness in the villages that will be covered in the first phase of the project. Though we have been given six months under the work order, the State has requested us to complete the DPR within four months. We will do our best to finish it before that," he added.
The first phase of the DPR will examine nine river corridors connecting Divar, Chodan, Vanxim, Sarmanas, Narve, Cortalim, Aldona, Madkai, Adpai, Durbhat, Panaji and Betim, with scope for future expansion based on operational success.
As per preliminary feasibility study, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 3,200 crore, although the final project cost will be determined after completion of the DPR. The proposed network envisages a fleet of over 100 electric boats with capacities ranging from 50 to 150 passengers, subject to revision after detailed technical evaluation.
The proposed Water Metro will feature integrated ticketing, concessional monthly passes for regular commuters, day passes for tourists, including passengers arriving at Goa's two international airports, and advanced passenger counting systems, among other smart mobility features.
