Mumbai Water Metro: Bids Open for Phase 1 Project Consultant, Expansion By 2029

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has started the search for a project consultant for the first phase of the Mumbai Water Metro. The request for proposal was opened on April 17. The project will be carried out in three phases. 

Phase 1 is planned to be completed by 2029. This stage has 16 routes, including eight new corridors and eight old ones. The estimated cost for this phase is about INR 1,621 crore. The project will follow a public-private partnership model. The government will build the terminals and jetties.

As per a report, these are the proposed routes:

1. Vasai – Mira-Bhayander

2. Jessel Park – Fountain – Gaimukh – Nagla Bunder – Nagale – Kalher

3. Vashi – Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)

4. Belapur – NMIA

5. Gateway of India – NMIA

6. Gateway of India – Vashi

7. Kalyan – Dombivli – Mumbra – Kalher – Kolshet

8. Bandra – Worli – Nariman Point 

The work will focus on building or upgrading 26 passenger terminals. It also includes setting up emergency and navigational systems. Private companies will be responsible for buying and maintaining the boats. The consultant will handle the planning, design, and construction supervision. They will also review the original project report created by Kochi Metro Rail Limited.

This expansion will add over 215 km of new paths to the current network. The total length of the water routes will grow from 125.40 km to 340.68 km. Right now, 21 active lines carry about 1.6 crore people every year. By 2031, daily ridership could pass 2.02 lakh people. This would mean nearly 7.39 crore passengers annually.

The development plan also includes 20 terminal renovations. Some major hubs like the Gateway of India, Nariman Point, and the Navi Mumbai International Airport are being developed by other authorities. The new system will also link the western suburbs, Thane Creek, and South Mumbai. It will provide better access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The project is part of a larger plan to use Maharashtra’s 877 km coastline to provide travel along the coast and lower the heavy traffic on roads and railways.