"UP government moves closer to launching a Water Metro on the Gomti after reviewing Kochi Metro’s feasibility report."

The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has proposed operating a Water Metro service on the Gomti river, with the project’s technical feasibility study report presented to Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh recently.

The report was submitted by Kochi Metro director Sanjay Kumar. According to officials, feasibility studies for Water Metro operations have been prepared for three locations in the State. Currently, efforts are underway to introduce the service on the Gomti in Lucknow, after which the initiative is planned to be extended to other water bodies, including the Yamuna in the Agra–Mathura stretch, Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur, Surha Tal in Ballia and the Ganga.

The minister said the project would provide significant benefits from tourism and economic perspectives, while also serving as a recreational option for the public. He said the initial phase would focus on implementing navigational aids.

Officials said a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared after assessing multiple components, including an integrated traffic management system, passenger counting system, environmental safeguards, social impact, terminals, jetties, road connectivity, pontoons, automatic fare collection, electrical infrastructure, boat charging facilities, fire protection systems and HVAC.

Once the estimated project cost is finalised, the government or the designated authority will invite tenders for various works. Following the tendering process, agencies will be selected for project implementation.

The minister directed department officials to expedite all necessary actions related to the project and submit details of the estimated expenditure to enable budget allocation by the government.