MMRDA issues PMC tender for Mumbai Water Metro Phase 1 Project

Mumbai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major push towards multimodal urban mobility, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has invited bids for the appointment of a Project Management, Design, Procurement Support, and Supervision Consultant for Mumbai Water Metro Phase 1. The Request for Proposal (RFP) marks a critical step in advancing the ambitious project aimed at transforming water-based transport across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The Phase 1 development will cover 16 routes—eight existing and eight new—spanning a total of 26 terminals. These routes are designed to connect key urban and suburban hubs including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Vasai, and Mira-Bhayander, offering an alternative and sustainable transport mode to ease congestion on road and rail networks.

Expanding Water-Based Connectivity Across MMR

The proposed network includes well-established ferry routes such as Gateway of India–Mandwa, Belapur–Nerul and Versova–Madh, alongside new corridors like Vasai–Mira-Bhayander, Vashi–Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), and Bandra–Worli–Nariman Point. This integrated network is expected to significantly enhance last-mile connectivity and reduce travel time across the region.

While three strategically important terminals—Gateway of India, NMIA and Nariman Point—are being developed separately by designated agencies, the selected consultant will be responsible for ensuring seamless coordination and integration with these assets.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “Mumbai Water Metro represents a transformative opportunity to leverage the city’s natural waterways for sustainable urban mobility. A strong project management and consultancy framework will be essential to ensure seamless integration, efficient execution and long-term operational success.”

Comprehensive Consultancy Scope

The selected consultant will play a central role in the project, overseeing detailed design, procurement support, construction supervision, and quality control for terminal infrastructure, navigational systems and emergency facilities. This integrated scope is crucial for managing the complexities of marine infrastructure development across multiple locations.

The tender process outlines a structured timeline, with bid submissions scheduled to close on May 7, 2026, and opening on May 8, 2026. The project carries an earnest money deposit of ₹16 lakh and will follow a competitive selection process to identify a qualified consultancy partner.

PPP Model to Drive Implementation

Mumbai Water Metro Phase 1 will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Under this framework, MMB will be responsible for developing terminal and associated infrastructure, while private operators will handle vessel procurement, operations and maintenance. This approach is expected to optimise resource utilisation and bring in operational efficiency from the private sector.

The project builds on a Detailed Project Report prepared by Kochi Water Metro Limited (KMWL), which has successfully implemented a similar system in Kerala. The study recommended upgrading existing terminals and developing new infrastructure to support an expanded water transport network.

Decongesting Mumbai Through Multimodal Integration

With Mumbai currently handling around 1.6 crore annual passengers through water transport, the expansion aims to significantly scale up capacity and improve service quality. By offering a reliable alternative to overcrowded suburban rail and congested roads, the Water Metro is expected to play a key role in reshaping urban mobility in the region.

As cities worldwide explore sustainable and multimodal transport solutions, Mumbai’s Water Metro initiative stands out as a strategic effort to harness natural geography for public transit. With the PMC tender now floated, the project moves closer to execution, setting the stage for a new era of water-based urban mobility in India’s financial capital.