Srinagar To Get Its First Water Metro On Dal Lake And Jhelum River Under ₹900 Crore Project With IWAI

The government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have signed a 900 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create the first Water Metro in Srinagar. It marks a significant step towards modernising Srinagar’s transport system. This project will provide a modern, eco-friendly route to Dal Lake and the Jhelum River.

Srinagar Gears Up For Its First-Ever Eco-Friendly Water Metro

Inspired by the Kochi Water Metro, the J&K Water Metro will not only promote greener, quieter, and cleaner modes of transportation but also help relieve traffic congestion, one of Srinagar’s main issues. The government wants to make daily commuting more comfortable and efficient while protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Electric-hybrid boats will run on five routes with ten terminals on Dal Lake and two routes with eight terminals along the Jhelum River as part of the proposed Water Metro, according to reports from The Daily Jagran. These boats will provide passengers with a smooth and peaceful travel experience, cutting down on road traffic and air pollution.

Regional Transport Officer (Kashmir) Qazi Irfan explained that the government will take care of administrative and logistical support, The Daily Jagran reported. He ensured that people can easily connect to the Water Metro through proper first- and last-mile connectivity. This means that passengers will be able to switch easily between the water metro, buses, and other forms of public transport.

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Project Aims To Ease Congestion And Boost Tourism

The IWAI will be in charge of all technical matters, including staff training, day-to-day operations, and navigation and waterway management. Their role will also include installing modern navigation tools and ensuring that safety and efficiency are maintained at every stage.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the project represents a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir. He told The Daily Jagran that the water transport project will provide eco-friendly mobility, encourage sustainability, and reduce Srinagar’s increasing traffic congestion.

The concept draws inspiration from Kerala’s Kochi Water Metro, which has been a huge success and is now being replicated in other parts of the state. Officials have shared that Srinagar’s version will feature longer routes compared to Kochi’s, and the boats will have higher battery capacity to handle the distance.

Once completed, the Water Metro is expected to become one of the major attractions in Srinagar.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Syed Abbas Ali