Kashmir Eyes Water Metro Dream as DPR Being Worked Out With Centre
Dal Lake, Jhelum set to become modern transit corridors under ambitious Rs 900-crore mobility project
Electric-hybrid boats, smart terminals and eco-friendly transport model planned to ease traffic and boost tourism
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: In a major push towards modern and sustainable urban transport, Kashmir is moving closer to getting its own Water Metro system, with the ambitious project for Dal Lake and River Jhelum now progressing with the Centre after the Jammu and Kashmir government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Modelled on the successful Kochi Water Metro, the proposed Srinagar Water Metro project aims to transform the Valley’s historic waterways into modern transport corridors, blending mobility, tourism and environmental sustainability in one of the country’s most scenic urban landscapes.
Officials said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and technical framework are being worked upon in coordination with the Centre and allied agencies, while the project is expected to significantly decongest Srinagar’s traffic-choked roads and provide a clean alternative mode of transport.
The proposed project, estimated to cost around Ra 900 crore, envisions a network of electric-hybrid boats operating across Dal Lake and River Jhelum with multiple routes and terminals connecting key areas of Srinagar city.
According to officials, the plan includes five routes with ten terminals on Dal Lake and two routes with eight terminals along the Jhelum River. The waterways are expected to connect major residential, commercial, heritage and tourist destinations across Srinagar.
The initiative is being viewed as a landmark shift in Kashmir’s urban transport vision, where traditional waterways that once served as lifelines of the city may soon witness the movement of modern metro-style boats carrying commuters and tourists alike.
Officials associated with the project said the Water Metro would not only reduce dependence on road transport but also help lower carbon emissions and fuel consumption in the ecologically fragile Valley. Modern electric and solar-assisted boats are likely to be introduced to minimise environmental impact on Dal Lake and adjoining water bodies.
Beyond transportation, the project is also expected to open fresh livelihood opportunities for local communities linked to water transport, tourism and hospitality sectors. Stakeholders believe the initiative could revive Srinagar’s centuries-old relationship with the Jhelum while giving tourists a unique urban transit experience amid Kashmir’s iconic landscapes.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India is expected to provide technical expertise, navigational support and operational guidance for the project, besides helping in capacity building and safety standards.
Urban planners say the project has the potential to redefine public mobility in Kashmir if executed efficiently, particularly at a time when Srinagar is witnessing increasing traffic congestion, rapid urban expansion and rising tourist footfall.
The proposed Water Metro also complements the broader urban transport plans being explored for Jammu and Kashmir, including MetroLite and Light Metro proposals for Srinagar and Jammu cities, which are currently under consideration of the Central Government.
If approved and implemented on schedule, the Srinagar Water Metro could soon turn Dal Lake and the Jhelum from postcard attractions into vibrant arteries of everyday public transport — where tradition flows alongside modern infrastructure.
