The Maharashtra Maritime Board has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a project management consultant (PMC) for the Mumbai Water Metro Phase 1, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the city’s water transport system. The RFP was released on April 17, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2029, carrying an estimated civil infrastructure cost of approximately ₹1,621 crore. This phase will encompass 16 routes, including eight existing and eight new corridors, and will see the development and upgrading of 26 passenger terminals.
The project aims to bolster the current water transport system while expanding its reach across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Plans involve upgrading 20 existing terminals and adding new routes to improve connectivity, particularly benefiting areas like the western suburbs, Thane Creek, and Navi Mumbai, along with enhanced access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Upon completion, the network’s length will increase from 125.40 km to 340.68 km, with daily ridership projected to surpass 2.02 lakh by 2031.
The Mumbai Water Metro initiative is part of a broader strategy to utilize Maharashtra’s 877-km coastline and enhance multimodal connectivity. Implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the government will develop core infrastructure, while private operators will manage vessel procurement and operations. The selected consultancy will oversee planning, design, and construction supervision, ensuring the project’s successful execution.
