Jammu Kashmir Govt Signs MoU with IWAI to Develop Rs 900-Crore Srinagar Water Metro Project

SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu Kashmir and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an Urban Water Transport System in Srinagar, modelled on the successful Kochi Water Metro.

The MoU, signed by RTO Kashmir on behalf of the JK Government and the Chief Engineer (Transport and Logistics) on behalf of IWAI, was formally presented to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the presence of Transport Minister Satish Sharma, Transport Secretary Avny Lavasa, and RTO Kashmir Qazi Irfan.

Valued at Rs 900 crore, the project envisions a modern, electric-hybrid water transport network linking major destinations along Dal Lake and River Jhelum. It will comprise five routes with ten terminals on Dal Lake and two routes with eight terminals on River Jhelum, offering a green, efficient alternative to Srinagar’s road traffic.

Under the agreement, the Jammu Kashmir Government will facilitate administrative clearances, land acquisition, and development of supporting infrastructure, ensuring first- and last-mile connectivity. The IWAI will extend technical expertise, maintain navigational channels, and conduct capacity-building programmes for water transport personnel.

Officials said the collaboration aims to reduce traffic congestion, boost tourism, and create employment opportunities, while providing a cleaner mode of urban transit integrated with the city’s existing transport network.

A detailed implementation roadmap, including the funding structure and environmental safeguards, will be finalised in the coming months. The government is also exploring a similar inland water transport model for Jammu, underscoring its vision to harness the region’s waterways for sustainable urban development.