Mumbai, May 7: Maharashtra is preparing to script a new chapter in India’s urban mobility landscape with the ambitious Mumbai Water Metro project, a large-scale initiative aimed at creating a sustainable, environment-friendly and technologically advanced water transport network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the project would not only redefine urban transportation in Mumbai but also emerge as a model for other Indian cities seeking cleaner and more efficient transit alternatives. He was speaking after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Norway-based maritime technology company [Hyke AS](https://www.hyke.no/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for the Mumbai Water Metro project.
The agreement marks a significant step toward introducing next-generation electric and sustainable water transport systems in India. Apart from supplying advanced watercraft designed specifically for urban mobility, the Norwegian company has also expressed interest in establishing shipbuilding facilities in Maharashtra, potentially opening new avenues for maritime manufacturing and employment generation in the state.
The MoU signing ceremony, held at the Chief Minister’s official residence ‘Varsha’ in Mumbai, was attended by Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, senior bureaucrats, diplomats from Norway and Sweden, maritime industry representatives, and global business stakeholders associated with the project.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra has been consistently working for the past decade on the idea of sustainable water transportation and has now completed the broader infrastructure blueprint required for such a system in Mumbai. He noted that effective utilisation of waterways in a densely populated metropolitan city like Mumbai could significantly reduce traffic congestion while offering commuters a safer, faster and more comfortable travel experience.
The Chief Minister emphasized that water-based public transport would play an increasingly important role in the future as cities across the world move toward greener mobility solutions. According to him, Mumbai’s initiative could become a benchmark for modern urban water transport systems in India.
As part of the project, a Detailed Project Report prepared by [Kochi Metro Rail Limited](https://kochimetro.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) has proposed the modernisation of 24 terminals across 21 existing water routes in the MMR. In addition, the project envisions the development of 21 new terminals on 10 newly proposed routes, substantially expanding Mumbai’s water transport network.
Officials said the project aims to create a seamless and integrated transport ecosystem by combining marine mobility with existing urban transit infrastructure. The emphasis will be on sustainability, passenger comfort, safety and operational efficiency.
Ports Minister Nitesh Rane described the initiative as a transformative milestone for Maharashtra’s maritime sector. He said the collaboration with an international maritime technology company like Hyke AS would help strengthen port development, shipbuilding capabilities and marine skill development in the state. He added that the government remains committed to building a modern, passenger-friendly and globally competitive water transport ecosystem.
The agreement also reflects Maharashtra’s broader push to attract international partnerships in maritime infrastructure and green mobility. During India Maritime Week 2025, the Maharashtra Maritime Board had already entered into several strategic understandings related to port development, shipbuilding and maritime skill enhancement. The partnership with Hyke AS is being seen as another major step in that direction.
With Mumbai continuing to face mounting pressure on roads and railways, the Water Metro project is expected to offer an alternative urban mobility model that combines sustainability with large-scale public utility. If executed successfully, it could fundamentally transform the way millions travel across the financial capital while positioning Maharashtra at the forefront of India’s blue economy ambitions.
