Kerala-based group gives go-ahead
By: Owais Gul
Kochi: Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is among the 15 cities found feasible for the implementation of an eco-friendly water metro system.
Inspired by Kochi’s Water Metro Project, the Jammu and Kashmir government recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India for the development of the Srinagar Water Metro.
On the first day of a 14-member media delegation’s visit to Kerala, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Srinagar, officials from Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) interacted with journalists and shared details of the water metro project.
The meeting was chaired by Loknath Behera, Managing Director, KMRL, who shared the project details and said that the water metro initiative would not affect local houseboat owners in Srinagar. He was accompanied by Dr M P Ram Navas, Director (Projects), KMRL.
While discussing the proposed water metro project in Srinagar, Behera said that only the feasibility has been assessed so far and that further surveys are required to ensure a proper and viable project for the region.
During the interaction, Shaji Janardanan, Chief General Manager (CGM), KMRL, said that 15 cities, including Srinagar, have been found feasible for the water metro facility.
He added that during their recent visit to Kashmir in October last year, a technical survey was conducted, which revealed that Srinagar has the potential to operate a water metro system.
Notably, surveys were conducted in 40 cities across the country, following which 15 were shortlisted.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has been considering the water metro facility for Srinagar, and several steps have already been taken, with further measures expected to facilitate the project’s execution.
The project is expected to ease the burden on roads, similar to Kochi in Kerala, where nearly 10 islands are connected through the water metro system.
Pertinently, the Office of the Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, has stated that the Srinagar Water Metro project is expected to reduce congestion and promote sustainable urban transport in the region. According to the announcement, the initiative will contribute to more efficient and eco-friendly transportation in Srinagar.
