Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 3: Goa has moved closer to developing a Water Metro and inland water transport network, with the feasibility study completed and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) now under preparation.

The proposed network could cover nine routes spanning around 111 km of waterways across the state.

River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai informed the Goa Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is preparing the DPR for the project. The state government has already received the feasibility study conducted by KMRL.

Dessai was responding to an unstarred question raised by MLA Yuri Alemao.

The government is yet to receive the final DPR and, therefore, has not finalised the estimated cost, funding pattern or implementation schedule for the project.

The DPR is expected to provide a detailed estimate of the project cost and determine the funding contribution from the Centre and the Goa government. It will also examine whether the project should be introduced initially through a pilot corridor or implemented in phases.

As part of the study, the DPR will assess the potential of water-based public transport to ease pressure on Goa’s roads and reduce dependence on private vehicles. The assessment will examine its possible impact on road congestion, vehicular traffic, fuel consumption, travel time and carbon emissions.

The DPR will also take into account consultations with various stakeholders connected to Goa’s waterways, including local bodies, riverine communities, fishermen and representatives of the tourism sector.

Their inputs are expected to be considered while finalising routes, station locations and the broader implementation strategy for the proposed Water Metro network.