GUWAHATI: The Kochi Water Metro model could potentially be implemented in Guwahati, along with other locations such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Goa, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).
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The suggestion came during a meeting of the State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC), on July 16.
The virtual meeting, chaired by MoPSW Secretary TK Ramachandran, included senior officials from around 30 states and Union Territories, aiming to ensure the comprehensive development of maritime and waterways transport across India.
"The Kochi Water Metro model could be adopted in various other states... such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Goa," Ramachandran stated.
The Kochi Water Metro completed its first year of operations on April 25, 2024, and has significantly transformed the water transport sector in Kerala.
Ramachandran also talked about the importance of the Sagarmala Programme and the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in enhancing India's maritime heritage and infrastructure.
SMWTCs have been established in 13 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep. There are reportedly plans to expand these committees to all 30 coastal and waterways states and Union Territories in India.