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Mumbai Water Metro: MoU Signed with Norway's Hyke for Green Transport

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Norway-based Hyke AS for the Mumbai Water Metro project. The project, modelled after the Kochi Water Metro, will span 340 km across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Phase 1 focuses on connecting high-traffic coastal zones and the new airport, with a phased rollout starting in December. The state government aims to establish a sustainable water transport system with 207 electric/hybrid vessels built locally.

Key Points: Mumbai Water Metro MoU with Norway's Hyke Signed

  • MoU signed with Norway's Hyke AS for Mumbai Water Metro
  • Project modelled after Kochi Water Metro, spanning 340 km
  • Phase 1 to connect high-traffic areas including new airport
  • 207 electric/hybrid vessels to be "Made in Maharashtra"
3 min read

MoU signed with Norway-based company for Mumbai Water Metro project

MoU signed between Maharashtra Maritime Board & Norway's Hyke AS for Mumbai Water Metro. CM Fadnavis & Minister Nitesh Rane present. Phase 1 to cover 340 km.

"The Mumbai Water Metro project will usher in a new chapter of modern water transport in the country - CM Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, May 7

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Thursday between the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the Norway-based marine technology company Hyke AS for the Mumbai Water Metro project.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister of Ports and Shipping Nitesh Rane.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd to implement the Water Metro project for passenger water transport in the MMR. This DPR proposes the upgradation of 24 existing terminals on the current 21 waterways where passenger transport is already operational, as well as the construction of 21 terminals on 10 new waterways to be newly introduced.

The project is modelled after the Kochi Water Metro and will eventually span 340 km across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

According to the government sources, Phase 1 focuses on connecting high-traffic coastal zones and the new airport from Gateway of India to Nariman Point, Radio Club to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Versova - Madh, Borivali/Marve - Esselworld, and Bandra - Worli - Nariman Point and Kalyan - Dombivli - Mumbra - Kolshet and Vasai - Mira Bhayander.

The Water Metro project is being developed on a PPP model with an investment of Rs 6,600 crore for infrastructure and vessels. The phased rollout will start from December this year, and it is expected to handle 7.5 crore passengers by 2031.

The state government is making efforts to establish a sustainable and environment-friendly water transport system to meet the growing transportation needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and CM Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mumbai Water Metro project will usher in a new chapter of modern water transport in the country, said a government statement.

The Mumbai Water Metro project has seen significant momentum this week, with the state government moving to expedite the transition from planning to execution. As of today, the MMB is concluding the bidding window for a crucial Project Management Consultant (PMC) to oversee the development of terminals and navigation infrastructure.

Minister Nitesh Rane directed officials to fast-track an integrated online ticketing system. The goal is a "one-tap" solution for all water transport, including water taxis and the future Water Metro.

The bid submission window for the PMC (Project Management Consultant) closes on Thursday (May 7). This consultant will handle the design and supervision of 26 terminals across 16 routes in Phase 1.

Following a directive from CM Fadnavis in March, the state is identifying land in Nandgaon, Dighi, and Vijaydurg to build dedicated shipyards. The intent is for the required 207 electric/hybrid vessels to be "Made in Maharashtra."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Loving the 'Made in Maharashtra' push for vessels. At least local industries will benefit. But I'm skeptical about the timeline — December 2025 startup? With Mumbai's monsoon and bureaucracy, I'll believe it when I see it. 😅
R
Ravi K
Good initiative but I hope they focus on connectivity from Navi Mumbai to South Mumbai. For those of us commuting from Kharghar to Nariman Point daily, this could save 2 hours each way. Also, the ticket pricing should be affordable — not like those luxury ferry services that charge Rs 500 for a 15-minute ride.
J
James A
Fascinating to see Norwegian expertise coming in. Having used Oslo's electric ferries, I can vouch for the technology. However, Mumbai's tides and monsoon are far more challenging than Norwegian fjords — hope the DP includes robust safety protocols. The one-tap ticketing system is a must for adoption.
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Nisha Z
A small suggestion: please keep in mind the last-mile connectivity. What's the point of a fancy water metro if I can't get from my home to the jetty? Also, safety for women passengers during night hours should be priority #1. Kochi model is good but Mumbai logistics are on another level.
S
Suresh O
Great step for reducing pollution too! Those 207 electric/hybrid vessels will cut down so much carbon. But I'm worried about the environmental impact on marine life — dredging and construction near mangroves needs careful planning. CM Fadnavis should ensure proper environmental clearance before going full speed ahead.

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