Mumbai Water Metro: MMB signs MoU with Norway's Hyke AS for ₹6,600 crore project

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) on 7 May 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway-based marine technology company Hyke AS for the Mumbai Water Metro project, marking a significant step toward transforming passenger water transport across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The signing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister of Ports and Shipping Nitesh Rane.

Project Scope and Scale

The Mumbai Water Metro is modelled after the Kochi Water Metro and will eventually span 340 km across the MMR. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd proposes the upgradation of 24 existing terminals on 21 operational waterways, as well as the construction of 21 new terminals on 10 new waterways. The project is being developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with a total investment of ₹6,600 crore covering infrastructure and vessels.

Phase 1 Routes and Timeline

According to government sources, Phase 1 will connect high-traffic coastal zones and the new airport, covering routes including Gateway of India to Nariman Point, Radio Club to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Versova–Madh, Borivali/Marve–Esselworld, Bandra–Worli–Nariman Point, and Kalyan–Dombivli–Mumbra–Kolshet and Vasai–Mira Bhayander. The phased rollout is slated to begin from December 2025, with the project expected to handle 7.5 crore passengers by 2031.

The bid submission window for a Project Management Consultant (PMC) — who will oversee the design and supervision of 26 terminals across 16 routes in Phase 1 — closed on 7 May 2025. This consultant will be critical in steering the transition from planning to execution.