West Bengal plans to launch Water Metro Systems in Kolkata

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the state government is considering a major restructuring of its maritime administration by creating a dedicated shipping wing separate from the existing transport department. The move is aimed at strengthening the state’s maritime infrastructure, accelerating port-led development and unlocking new economic opportunities along West Bengal’s extensive riverine and coastal network.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Chief Minister said the government is evaluating successful maritime development models adopted by states such as Gujarat and Odisha, particularly in the development and management of minor ports.

At present, the transport and shipping functions operate under a combined administrative framework in the state. However, the government believes that establishing a dedicated shipping wing could provide greater focus on maritime infrastructure planning, inland waterways development, port modernization and logistics expansion.

“Currently, the transport and shipping departments function together in the state. We are considering creating a separate shipping wing in the future. We are also examining the possibility of developing minor ports on the lines of states such as Gujarat and Odisha,” Adhikari said.

Kolkata to Join India’s Growing Water Metro Network

In another significant announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that Kolkata will become the 18th city in India to be connected to the Water Metro network, marking a new chapter in the city’s urban mobility and water transport ecosystem.

The proposed Water Metro system is expected to leverage Kolkata’s extensive network of rivers and waterways, offering an environmentally sustainable and efficient mode of public transportation while complementing existing metro rail, suburban rail and road-based transit systems.

“Kolkata will now be linked to the Water Metro system. Kolkata will be the 18th city to join the Water Metro chain,” he stated.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader vision of promoting inland waterways as a key component of urban and regional mobility. Following the success of the Kochi Water Metro, several cities across the country are exploring similar systems to reduce congestion, improve last-mile connectivity and create integrated multimodal transport networks.

Focus on Maritime and Logistics Growth

West Bengal’s strategic geographical position, with access to the Bay of Bengal and major river systems including the Hooghly River, provides significant potential for maritime trade, logistics and inland water transport. The state is home to important ports and industrial corridors, making shipping and waterways a critical component of its economic development strategy.

The exploration of minor port development could help improve cargo handling capacity, support industrial growth, attract private investment and strengthen connectivity with national and international trade routes. Gujarat and Odisha have successfully leveraged minor ports to boost economic activity, logistics efficiency and coastal industrial development, making them reference models for the proposed initiative.

Industry observers believe that a dedicated shipping administration could also facilitate better coordination with central agencies, private operators and infrastructure developers while accelerating project implementation across the maritime sector.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“The integration of water-based transport with urban mobility systems represents a significant opportunity for sustainable city development. Kolkata’s inclusion in the Water Metro network, coupled with the state's focus on maritime infrastructure and port development, can strengthen regional connectivity, support economic growth and create a more diversified transportation ecosystem. Dedicated institutional focus on shipping can further accelerate these ambitions.”

As West Bengal evaluates new avenues for transport and logistics development, the proposed shipping wing and Water Metro integration could emerge as important pillars of the state's long-term infrastructure and economic growth strategy.