The Maharashtra government has roped in Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Mumbai’s ambitious water metro project, which aims to create a 250-km commuter network with 29 terminals and 10 routes across key waterways in the metropolitan region.

An official communication from KMRL said the DPR would be built upon an earlier feasibility study done by its consultancy wing, which had explored water metro connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

“The proposed network spans key water bodies, such as Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja, envisaging extensive commuter connectivity for India’s financial capital,” it said.

KMRL managing director Loknath Behera described the task of preparing a DPR for Mumbai’s water metro project as a challenging one, spanning a diverse terrain of canals, backwaters, port waters and sea routes.

“Our expertise from Kochi’s pioneering Water Metro is now being extended to create sustainable mobility solutions for other cities. The Mumbai Water Metro project will boost intermodal connectivity by integrating rail, road, and river transport. The DPR will be submitted by the end of this year,” he said.

He said the Mumbai project would cover nearly 250 km of waterways, with 29 terminals and 10 proposed routes. The assignment is expected to open up significant opportunities for KMRL’s consultancy division, while also creating an additional stream of non-ticket revenue for the company.