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Key Points

The first phase of feasibility studies for Chennai's Water Metro project is now underway along the Buckingham Canal stretch. Modeled after Kochi's successful system, it aims to provide modern water transport for commuters and tourists. A major prerequisite is the large-scale restoration and dredging of the canal to make it navigable. If approved, the project could transform urban mobility and integrate into a national waterway network.

Key Points: Chennai Water Metro Feasibility Study Begins on Buckingham Canal

  • Feasibility study underway for 53-km ferry corridor using Buckingham Canal
  • Project modeled after successful Kochi Water Metro system
  • Large-scale canal restoration and dredging required first
  • Estimated cost between Rs 3,000-5,000 crore for implementation
2 min read

Feasibility study begins for Chennai's water metro project

Chennai's ambitious Water Metro project begins feasibility studies along Buckingham Canal, aiming to reduce traffic and boost tourism with modern ferry services.

"The Chennai Water Metro could eventually be integrated into a larger 1,078-km national waterway network - Project Officials"

Chennai, Sep 3

The first phase of feasibility studies for Chennai’s ambitious Water Metro project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and boosting tourism, is currently underway along the Buckingham Canal stretch between Napier Bridge and Kovalam.

Modelled after the Kochi Water Metro, which was launched in 2023 with 16 proposed routes (four of which are now operational), the Chennai project promises modern water-based transport for daily commuters as well as tourists.

As part of the initial phase, passenger ferry services will be introduced on a 53-km corridor using the Buckingham Canal as the main waterway. Officials are identifying suitable sites for ferry terminals, workshops, and related infrastructure.

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), Water Resources Department, and Tamil Nadu Maritime Board are coordinating efforts to shape the project.

A key prerequisite is the large-scale restoration of the Buckingham Canal.

Authorities have stressed that dredging and desilting are necessary before launching ferry services. Plans also include sewage treatment plants, water quality monitoring systems, aeration units, and water management facilities.

Cleaning the canal is expected not only to enable water transport but also to help mitigate urban flooding. The project cost is estimated to fall between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore.

Officials pointed out that supplying treated canal water to industries could generate additional revenue, helping offset operational and maintenance expenses.

Once the feasibility study is completed, the proposal will be submitted to the state government. The Water Resources Department is then expected to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within a year. If approved, the Water Metro is projected to bring about major urban transformation by reducing road traffic pressure and opening up new avenues for tourism.

The state government has already identified 10 potential water routes for tourism promotion. If successful, the Chennai Water Metro could eventually be integrated into a larger 1,078-km national waterway network linking Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

Officials confirmed that preliminary surveys are progressing at full speed to assess both the technical viability and financial feasibility of the initiative, which is expected to redefine urban mobility in the city.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Cleaning Buckingham Canal first is crucial. Right now it's more like an open sewer. If they can actually make it navigable and clean, it will be a huge achievement for the city's environment and flood management.
K
Karthik V
Kochi Water Metro is working well, so the model is proven. But Chennai's scale and population density are different challenges. Hope they learn from Kochi's experience and adapt accordingly.
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Sarah B
As someone who lives near the canal, I'm cautiously optimistic. The flooding reduction alone would be worth it, but I hope they properly consult local residents about terminal locations and noise pollution.
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Arjun K
3000-5000 crores is a massive investment. While the project sounds good, I hope there's proper transparency in spending and no cost overruns like we've seen with other metro projects. Public money needs to be used wisely.
Nisha Z
This could be amazing for tourism! Imagine boat rides showing Chennai's coastline and heritage sites. Hope they maintain the ferries properly and keep them clean - that's always the challenge with public transport in India.

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