Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 18: After years of being stuck in limbo, Goa’s long-awaited water taxi project is finally set to gain momentum. A technical team from Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is scheduled to visit the state next month to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed water metro transport system.

The visit marks a significant step toward evaluating the potential for water taxi services across Goa’s inland waterways. During their stay, KMRL experts will assess various factors including route viability, infrastructure needs, and operational logistics.

According to officials, four key routes have been proposed in the initial phase:

• Panaji–Divar–Old Goa
• Panaji–Chorao Island
• Vasco–Margao–Cortalim
• Calangute–Baga–Candolim

Additional routes may be introduced based on findings from the study or future demand.

The Goa government has appointed Vikramsinh Raje Bhosale, Director of the River Navigation Department (RND), as the nodal officer to facilitate coordination with the KMRL team. The upcoming study is expected to identify the most feasible river stretches, potential boarding and docking locations, and determine technical specifications for the fleet.

This initiative is part of a broader Central government vision to implement water-based transportation systems in 18 locations across India. KMRL, known for its innovative Kochi Water Metro project, has been entrusted with preparing preliminary reports for these proposed systems.

“Details like whether the boats will run on solar power, their passenger capacities, and the operational frameworks will be finalized based on the outcomes of this assessment,” said an official source. “The Kochi model is being looked at as a replicable framework for other cities.”

Goa originally floated the water taxi concept between Panaji and Old Goa in 2019-20, but the project had since stalled. However, renewed interest from the state emerged during a recent finance commission meeting, where officials reaffirmed their commitment to making the idea a reality through Central assistance.

In addition to Goa, cities and regions like Guwahati (Brahmaputra River), Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir), Andaman and Lakshadweep islands, and urban centers such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Mumbai are also on the national roadmap for adopting water taxi systems.

If successful, the project promises to transform commuting in Goa, offering a sustainable, scenic, and efficient alternative to road travel, while promoting tourism and reducing traffic congestion.