Kolkata to Join National Water Metro Network as 18th City, Announces West Bengal CM

The West Bengal government has confirmed that the state capital will integrate with the Centre’s ambitious urban water transport initiative to modernize riverine travel.

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced on Thursday that Kolkata is officially set to join the Union government’s water metro project. Following a high-level review meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister confirmed that the city will become the 18th urban center to adopt this modern, sustainable water-based transport system. The project, which first launched in Kochi in 2021, aims to reduce urban congestion by utilizing existing waterways with significantly lower infrastructure costs.

Revamping Maritime Infrastructure

The integration of Kolkata into the national network is part of a broader push by the state to overhaul its maritime and inland water transport capabilities. During the discussions at the state secretariat, officials highlighted that 44 new jetties are slated for construction to facilitate these operations. While the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust has already granted the majority of the necessary clearances, the state government is moving quickly to commission a detailed project report to replace aging ferry services with modern, battery-operated, and hybrid-powered watercraft.

Strategic Shift in Deep-Sea Port Plans

Beyond urban transit, the state government is recalibrating its industrial roadmap. The Chief Minister officially ruled out the prospect of developing a deep-sea port at Tajpur, citing a lack of viable land. Instead, the administration has identified a 1,700-acre site at Dadanpatrabar, situated roughly 10 kilometers from the original location, to serve as the new focal point for deep-sea port development. This shift comes after the Adani Group previously withdrew from the Tajpur project due to land-related constraints.

Embracing Sagarmala 2.0

In a significant policy pivot, the West Bengal government has also decided to participate in the Centre’s Sagarmala 2.0 program, having sat out the initial phase of the initiative. This partnership is expected to drive substantial investment into the state's coastal regions, including areas like Sagar, Kakdwip, and Sandeshkhali. The focus will remain on enhancing connectivity, upgrading fishing facilities, and fostering community development. Furthermore, the state is exploring the creation of a dedicated shipping wing to manage these maritime assets, drawing inspiration from the port development models seen in Gujarat and Odisha.

Boosting Tourism and Connectivity

The state is also prioritizing the cultural and economic potential of its coastal zones. Plans are currently underway to transform the annual Gangasagar Mela into a recognized international event. As part of this, the government intends to renovate the sea beach near the Kapil Muni Ashram and revitalize several riverfront ghats. With the backing of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, these projects reflect a renewed commitment to leveraging the state’s natural geography to boost regional economic opportunities.