Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviews Kochi Water Metro

KOCHI: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed operations of the Kochi Water Metro during a ride across key terminals in the city. The visit marked a step toward assessing the viability of replicating the waterbased transit model in 24 cities across India, including Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur in Assam. The Ministry has approved for conducting Technical Feasibility Study in these 24 cities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The success of the Kochi Water Metro is a shining testament to India’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. It demonstrates how clean, comfortable, and efficient water-based transport can transform the way people commute in urban spaces. Inspired by this achievement, our ministry has approved technical feasibility studies in 24 cities across the country—including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur in Assam—to explore the replication of this model.”

After the ride aboard Kochi Water Metro, Sarbananda Sonowal lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership in reviving India’s long-neglected national waterways. “Before 2014, our rivers were overlooked and left in ruins. It is under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi that we have reclaimed the lost glory of India’s riverways,” he said. “The Water Metro is a testament to this transformation—it provides an economical, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and modern travel experience that reflects the government’s commitment to green and inclusive growth.”

The minister boarded the Water Metro at the High Court Junction terminal and traveled to Fort Kochi and Vypeen before returning. He was accompanied by senior government officials, including Joint Secretary Sri Nath, as well as representatives from Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. and other maritime agencies, stated a press release.

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