The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), on August 13, 2026, issued the National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026 for information and compliance. The Guidelines establish a structured framework for development and implementation of Water Metro systems as an organized public transport mode.
The Guidelines cover Water Metro systems operating on inland, coastal and other water bodies, including rivers, canals, lakes, backwaters, estuaries and coastal waters. They provide for passenger and Ro-Pax vessels, with emphasis on zero/low-emission propulsion, standardised vessel designs, enhanced safety and service standards, integration with urban transport networks, and ecosystem-based infrastructure including jetties, pontoons, charging/bunkering facilities and terminals.
All Water Metro vessels are required to comply with the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and applicable rules, while vessel designs are to be approved by the Indian Register of Shipping or another classification society authorised by the Director General of Shipping. The Guidelines also address project planning, financing, fare policy, legal framework, performance monitoring and periodic review.
