The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPS&W) February 06, 2026, issued the Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026.
The following has been stated: -
•The Draft National Water Metro Policy, 2026, proposes integrating water-based transport as a formal component of India’s urban mobility ecosystem, leveraging inland waterways for sustainable, low-emission mass transit.
•It emphasizes green propulsion (primarily electric/hybrid vessels), standardized vessel designs approved by competent authorities, enhanced safety, indigenization, and seamless multimodal integration.
•Project planning requires DPRs, techno-economic feasibility, CMP alignment, ecosystem-based development (vessels, terminals, charging, navigation aids), and coordination among agencies, including the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
•Multiple financing models are proposed—State-Central funding, PPP, VGF, and fully State or Central funding for significant National Waterway projects—along with revenue diversification and cost optimization strategies.
•Fare policy prioritizes affordability and inclusive access, while ensuring operational sustainability through structured O&M models (GCC/NCC/PPP formats).
•The legal framework is anchored in the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and related rules, with mandatory compliance to technical standards, periodic monitoring through KPIs, and policy review for future-ready adaptation.
•Public comments/suggestions invited till February 23, 2026.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
