Mumbai Water Metro Project to Usher in a New Era of Modern Water Transport in India: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, May 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Mumbai Water Metro Project would mark the beginning of a new chapter in modern water transportation in India and help create a sustainable and environment-friendly transport system for the growing needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

He was speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Norway-based maritime technology company Hyke AS for the Mumbai Water Metro Project.

The agreement is expected to play a key role in providing technologically advanced watercraft for the project and establishing shipbuilding facilities in Maharashtra.

Among those present on the occasion were Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Lokesh Chandra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister for Investment and Policy Kaustubh Dhavse, Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO Pradeep P., Honorary Consul General of Norway Monica Nagelgaard, Consul General of Sweden Sven Osterberg, and Hyke AS Chairman Charles Pembroke Beers.

The MoU was signed by Pradeep P. on behalf of the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Charles Pembroke Beers representing Hyke AS.

Addressing the gathering at Varsha, the official residence of the Chief Minister, Fadnavis said the state government has been consistently working over the past decade on the concept of sustainable water transport. He said the blueprint for creating the required infrastructure for water transport in Mumbai has now been finalised and the next major requirement is the deployment of modern and sustainable watercraft.

The Chief Minister stated that efficient utilisation of waterways in a metropolitan city like Mumbai would significantly help reduce pressure on road and rail transportation systems. He added that India has immense opportunities in the water transport sector and the demand for sustainable urban water mobility is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

According to Fadnavis, the Mumbai Water Metro model could become a benchmark for several other Indian cities exploring alternative and eco-friendly public transport systems.

He congratulated Hyke AS and all associated officials for their cooperation in the initiative. He also praised Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane for playing an important role in bringing all stakeholders together for the project.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitesh Rane said the Mumbai Water Metro Project represents a major milestone in Maharashtra’s maritime development journey. He added that the partnership with an internationally reputed company like Hyke AS would open new avenues for port development, shipbuilding, and maritime skill development in the state.

The Minister further stated that the government is continuously working towards making water transportation safer, more modern, and passenger-friendly.

The event was also attended by Rural Enhancers Group Managing Director and CEO Ambar Ayade, Norway-based Natasha Braganza, Scandian No Managing Director and CEO Prashant Agrawal, Sweden-India Business Council Chief India Representative Cecilia Oldne, and Equiline Finance Director from the UAE Anshul Davani.

As part of the Water Metro Project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared through Kochi Metro Rail Limited. The DPR proposes upgrading 24 terminals across 21 existing water routes currently used for passenger transport, while also creating 21 new terminals across 10 proposed water routes.

Hyke AS, known for designing technologically advanced vessels for urban water transportation, has expressed interest not only in supplying modern boats for the Mumbai project but also in establishing shipbuilding facilities in Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board had earlier signed several MoUs related to port development, shipbuilding, and maritime skill development during India Maritime Week 2025, and the latest agreement with Hyke AS is being seen as another significant step in strengthening Maharashtra’s maritime infrastructure and sustainable transport ecosystem.