It’s high time the state planned a modern water transport system
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)’s decision to carry out a feasibility study for a water metro project in Goa is a positive step towards developing a modern waterway transportation system in the state.
With the aim to create a modern, eco-friendly transportation system, the state government had, last month, listed the water metro proposal in the memorandum submitted to the visiting delegation of the 16th Finance Commission. It had also requested a grant of Rs 800 crore for the water metro project, which is proposed to run on the public private participation (PPP) model.
The government has proposed four routes for the water metro project – Panaji-Divar-Old Goa, Panaji-Chorao Island, Vasco-Margao-Cortalim, and Calangute-Baga-Candolim. According to the proposal, Goa plans a fleet of 20 electric boats with a capacity of 50-100 passengers per boat. All the boats will be of modern design with air-conditioned cabins, Wi-Fi, and solar panels for auxiliary power. The Rs 800 crore sought for the project are for — Rs 250 crore for fleet procurement, Rs 450 crore for infrastructure development, Rs 50 crore for operational setup, and Rs 50 crore for contingency. As far as technology for the project is concerned, the state has proposed battery-powered propulsion for minimal environmental impact with GPS-enabled navigation and real-time tracking for efficient operation. The state aims to provide “a unique, world-class water transport experience for tourists, facilitating trade and connectivity for coastal and riverside communities by way of the water metro, which will connect key urban and rural areas, tourist hotspots, and economic hubs.”
Such a metro is presently operational in Kochi, serving the Greater Kochi region in Kerala. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) will carry out the feasibility study for Goa, officials said. The Kochi project is the first water metro system in India. A few months ago it featured in UN Habitat’s ‘World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action’ for its role in “revitalising water transport and elevating it to include climate change consideration and principles of sustainable development”, according to media reports.
Over the years, the state government has failed to bring in a robust water transport system, which would have helped decongest roads. It would have been an important feature of the state’s public transport, notwithstanding the fact that the public transport is poorly managed in Goa. Nearly 15 years ago, an industrialist had offered to operate Ro-Ro (roll-in, roll-out) ferries along different routes in the state. The government, however, continues to use the old ferry boat model, refusing to keep up with the times. Ro-Ro ferry boats would have made a difference to public transport long ago. Three years ago, the government went in for a hybrid solar ferry costing Rs 4 crore. Once ready, it couldn’t be put to use! In June last year, the government made a statement that due to its inability to accommodate two- and four-wheeler vehicles, its utility was restricted.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has been emphasising for many years that Goa should promote water transport, saying it has huge potential both for locals as well as tourism. Last year, after inaugurating the six-lane, access-controlled elevated stretch for the Manohar International Airport, Gadkari urged the Goa government to prepare a master plan to improve transport facilities, offering support from the central government. Hopefully, the water metro project will be well planned to achieve sustainable development of Goa’s water transport.
