In a major boost for sustainable urban transport in Lucknow, the proposed Water Metro project on the Gomti River has cleared a key milestone after a feasibility study by Kochi Water Metro Corporation confirmed the river’s suitability for navigation and public transport services.

A team of experts from Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) – the country’s pioneering urban water transport system – recently completed on-site surveys and technical assessments of the Gomti’s flow, depth and navigability. Director Sanjay Kumar of Kochi Water Metro personally submitted the feasibility report to Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, which was later presented to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

Officials said the findings reveal the Gomti to be viable for a water metro network, paving the way for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to be prepared next by the state administration. The DPR will outline route plans, infrastructure designs, cost estimates, environmental considerations and implementation timelines. Government sources confirmed that accelerated planning and budget allocation discussions will begin soon.

The proposed Lucknow Water Metro on the Gomti is envisioned as a modern, eco-friendly transport alternative that could ease road congestion, boost tourism along the riverfront and enhance mobility for daily commuters. With urban waterways increasingly considered for mass transport across India, Lucknow’s initiative aligns with nationwide efforts to replicate Kochi’s successful water metro model in multiple cities.

City planners and experts believe that a well-executed Water Metro can not only offer a unique commuting experience but also encourage riverfront development and waterfront attractions, potentially transforming the city’s urban landscape.

Transport department representatives have stressed that timely execution and environmental management will be critical, including robust plans for water quality and riverbank amenities.

As Lucknow moves forward with the DPR stage, residents and stakeholders are watching closely, hopeful that the Water Metro on the Gomti can emerge as a landmark project and a new icon of modern connectivity in Uttar Pradesh.