In a landmark move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to develop a Rs 900-crore Water Metro project across Dal Lake and the Jhelum River.
Modeled after the successful Kochi Water Metro, the project aims to decongest Srinagar’s traffic while offering a clean and eco-friendly transport alternative. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the initiative will address the city’s growing traffic challenges.
The Water Metro will feature electric-hybrid boats operating on five routes with 10 terminals on Dal Lake and two routes with eight terminals on the Jhelum River. The boats will provide quiet, efficient transport for commuters and tourists, helping reduce pollution in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The IWAI will offer technical expertise, maintain navigational channels, and conduct capacity-building programmes to ensure international standards in safety and operations.