Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 28: The Goa government has appointed Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for its proposed Water Metro project, with the report expected to be completed within the next three to four months.

River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said the DPR will outline the project's technical, financial and operational roadmap. It will identify nine routes for implementation in the first phase from a proposed network of 14 routes, while assessing project costs, tourism potential and future expansion plans.

Dessai said the proposal received priority from the Centre following efforts by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the project is expected to provide a modern river transport system and help ease traffic congestion on Goa's roads.

KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behara said the project is currently estimated to cost around ?3,100 crore based on the feasibility study. However, he clarified that the final cost will be determined after the DPR is completed.

According to Behara, the proposed Water Metro network will span 111 km and will be implemented in two phases. The first phase envisages the construction of 32 terminals connecting urban centres and nearby villages through nine identified routes.

He said the service will operate battery-powered electric boats designed for Goa's river systems with minimal environmental impact. KMRL has already initiated discussions with Goa Shipyard Limited for the construction of the vessels.

The DPR will also determine the number of boats required, along with their specifications, passenger capacity, battery systems, operational standards and safety features.

Officials said environmental protection will remain a key focus of the project, with measures planned to safeguard Goa's rivers, biodiversity and fragile ecosystems while introducing a sustainable public transport system.