The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is formulating National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026 to support the planning, implementation, safety standards, and promotion of eco-friendly water-based public transportation systems. Aspects relating to the zero/low-emission technical framework, standardization requirements, financing structures, environmental safety, and inter-ministerial coordination are covered under these guidelines.

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous organisation under the MoPSW has undertaken Feasibility Studies for the development of Urban Water Metro Systems at 18 identified locations across the country. The Feasibility Studies for 15 locations have been completed, which will help in assessing the technical viability, infrastructure requirements, operational framework, and potential for implementing water-based urban public transportation systems. However, four hybrid electric vessels have been deployed at Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna and Kolkata; and one hydrogen fuel cell vessel has been deployed at Varanasi under other initiatives of the Ministry.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

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MI/Indu

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