PANAJI
The State government on Tuesday said it aims to increase daily ridership on water-based public transport from the current 30,000–35,000 ferry passengers to nearly one lakh commuters through the proposed Water Metro project, which is expected to transform river transport, ease traffic congestion, and strengthen tourism across the State.
The State has appointed Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) which is expected to be ready within four-month. KMRL has announced plans to introduce AI facilities with latest modern technologies for the project as compared to the one introduced at Kochi.
Addressing a press conference, River Navigation Department (RND) Minister Subhash Phal Dessai unveiled the broader vision for the ambitious project, projecting a network of 32 terminals covering about 111 km and requiring more than 100 boats under the preliminary feasibility study.
Calling Goa "the most suitable State" for such a project, Phal Dessai said Goa possesses an extensive and largely untapped inland water network that offers greater connectivity potential than Kerala.
"Water Metro will be eco-friendly, affordable and will significantly reduce pressure on roads. It will improve river connectivity, boost tourism and create employment opportunities," he said.
The minister said the first phase of the DPR is studying nine key river routes connecting Divar, Chodan, Vanxim, Sarmanas, Narve, Cortalim, Aldona, Madkai, Adpai, Durbhat, Panaji and Betim, with the possibility of expanding the network further based on its success.
Seeking to allay environmental concerns, Phal Dessai said the project would not disturb Goa's fragile ecosystem or fishing activities. "These are lightweight passenger vessels operating along existing waterways. There will be no environmental damage," he said, adding that the DPR would determine whether the boats would run on electric, solar or other green energy technologies.
KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera, who is serving as Chief Advisor for the Goa Water Metro project, said the DPR would incorporate advanced technologies beyond those used in Kochi, including AI-based management systems, enhanced passenger safety features and improved vessel design suited to Goa's river conditions.
According to the preliminary feasibility study, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 3,200 crore, though the final cost will emerge only after completion of the DPR. The study envisages over 100 boats with capacities ranging from 50 to 150 passengers, though these numbers may change after detailed technical assessment.
Behera said Goa Shipyard Limited has expressed willingness to support the construction of boats, one of the major challenges identified for the project. Existing ferry terminals may also be refurbished wherever feasible instead of constructing entirely new infrastructure.
The Water Metro will also feature integrated ticketing, concessional monthly passes for regular commuters and day passes for tourists, including those arriving at the two International Airports, Behera said adding that the passenger counting systems will prevent overcrowding by automatically restricting boarding once a vessel reaches its approved capacity. He said the project would generate significant local employment, with preference proposed for recruiting and training residents familiar with waterways.
