The State Cabinet has approved an SPV to develop and operate the proposed Namo Tarang Goa Water Metro./Representational image

GOA (Metro Rail News): Goa has moved a step closer to developing a Water Metro and inland water transport network, with the feasibility study now complete and the Detailed Project Report under preparation. The proposed system could cover nine routes across around 111 km of waterways.

The Goa government said on Wednesday that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is preparing the DPR for the proposed project. The state has already received the feasibility study completed by KMRL. River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai shared the update while replying to an unstarred question by MLA Yuri Alemao in the Goa Legislative Assembly.

DPR to determine project cost and implementation plan

The government has not yet received the final DPR. As a result, authorities have not finalized the estimated project cost, funding pattern or implementation schedule. Dessai said the DPR will provide a realistic cost estimate for the proposed Water Metro network. It will also help determine the share of funding from the Centre and the Goa government. The DPR will further decide whether the project should begin with a pilot corridor or move ahead through phased implementation.

The DPR will also include a detailed traffic and transport assessment. The study will examine whether water-based public transport can help reduce pressure on Goa’s roads and lower dependence on private vehicles. It will assess the likely impact on:

• Road congestion
• Vehicular traffic
• Fuel consumption
• Travel time
• Carbon emissions

The findings could play an important role in deciding the scale and route structure of the proposed network.

Stakeholder consultations to be part of planning

The state government said the DPR process will also consider consultations with communities and stakeholders connected to Goa’s waterways. These may include local bodies, riverine communities, fishermen and tourism industry representatives. Their inputs could influence route planning, station locations and the wider implementation strategy.

Also Read: Goa Water Metro: DPR preparation begins, 9 routes selected for 1st phase