Lucknow, December 10, 2025: Uttar Pradesh is moving ahead with ambitious plans to introduce water-based transport across the state, with a focus on metro-style services in major cities. The first meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority (UPIWA) on Tuesday outlined a roadmap to expand water transport on the state’s rivers and tap into both economic and tourism opportunities.

The authority decided to appoint a consultant to conduct a detailed feasibility study for launching water transport on major rivers in the first phase. The Gomti river, which flows through Lucknow, has been identified as a potential priority stretch, provided it meets requirements for adequate cleaning and sufficient depth. Officials emphasized that proper river maintenance would be essential before initiating regular water-based transport services.

Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Daya Shankar Singh, who also serves as chairman of the authority, highlighted the importance of water transport in the state. “At the board meeting, we decided to appoint a consultant to carry out a feasibility study for major rivers so that water transport services and related tourist activities can begin as soon as possible,” Singh said. He added that discussions also focused on introducing water metro systems in Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Agra, and Mathura.

India’s inland waterways system is gaining prominence at both national and state levels. Sunil Paliwal, chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized inland waterway development over the past decade. Former IWAI chairman and ex-secretary TK Ramachandran highlighted the economic benefits, explaining that a single cargo vessel could carry the load of 50–60 trucks, significantly cutting logistics costs.

Senior divisional railway manager Rajneesh Srivastava said India is developing a multimodal cargo system that integrates water, road, and rail transport. He noted that cities such as Varanasi, Kanpur, and Unnao would benefit from cheaper cargo movement, while trade routes like Varanasi to Kolkata could see enhanced efficiency.

Tourism officials also see enormous potential in water transport. Rajesh Kumar, director general of UP Tourism, said the state has vast untapped opportunities to develop tourist services along rivers. Under the UP Tourism Policy 2025, investors planning floating restaurants and other water-based tourist ventures are eligible for a 25% subsidy, making these projects financially attractive.

The proposal to establish water metro services is part of a broader vision to improve urban transport, reduce road congestion, and promote eco-friendly mobility. By leveraging the state’s 11 notified inland waterways, the initiative aims to provide both daily commuting options and unique tourist experiences. Authorities believe that if implemented successfully, water metros could become a model for other Indian states, demonstrating how inland waterways can enhance connectivity and economic growth.

Officials stressed that careful planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development would be key to the success of water transport in Uttar Pradesh. With feasibility studies underway, the state is set to move closer to a future where rivers not only serve commerce but also become vibrant hubs of urban travel and tourism.

 Uttar Pradesh Plans Water Metro Services in Six Cities to Boost Transport and Tourism

Uttar Pradesh is charting a new course for urban transport with plans to introduce water metro services in six major cities – Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Agra, and Mathura. The state’s first meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority (UPIWA) on Tuesday laid out a clear roadmap to expand water-based transport and unlock both economic and tourism opportunities along the rivers.

The Gomti river in Lucknow has been highlighted as a priority stretch, though officials said proper cleaning and sufficient depth are needed before services can start. A consultant will be appointed to carry out a detailed feasibility study to ensure smooth planning and execution. Minister of State for Transport Daya Shankar Singh, who also chairs the authority, said the move is aimed at starting water transport and tourist activities as soon as possible.

Inland waterways are gaining momentum in India. IWAI chairman Sunil Paliwal highlighted that inland water transport has been a national priority, and experts say a single cargo vessel can carry the load of 50–60 trucks, reducing logistics costs significantly. A multimodal approach integrating water, road, and rail transport could make cargo movement more efficient, benefiting industrial cities like Kanpur and Unnao and key trade routes such as Varanasi to Kolkata.

Tourism is another focus. UP Tourism’s director general Rajesh Kumar said rivers hold huge untapped potential, and under the UP Tourism Policy 2025, investors in floating restaurants and other water-based projects can avail a 25% subsidy.

The new water metro initiative aims to reduce road congestion, promote eco-friendly travel, and offer a unique commuting and tourist experience. If implemented successfully, it could transform Uttar Pradesh’s rivers into hubs of connectivity, commerce, and leisure.