An expert team from Kochi Water Metro visited Surat to assess the possibility of introducing water metro services along the Tapi River. If implemented, Surat will become the first city in Gujarat and the second in India, after Kochi in Kerala, to have a water metro.
The two-member team, including coastal engineering expert Nishanth K and transport engineer Arjun Krishna, arrived on the invitation of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). They conducted a feasibility study, surveying a 33 km stretch of the river, from Singapore causeway to Kamrej and upstream to Dumas.
Key Observations and Challenges
Nishanth K highlighted the potential for a water metro in Surat but noted challenges like water levels, river flow during monsoon, and the absence of tidal conditions found in Kochi. The team plans to analyse data, including water levels during floods, discharge from Ukai Dam, and waterbed conditions. A detailed survey and bathymetric analysis will be conducted to map underwater features.
The Kochi team will prepare a report based on the data provided by SMC, which includes rainfall patterns, water carrying capacity, and riverbed depth. A preliminary report will guide further steps for the project.
Proposed Features
The water metro will use battery-operated boats with a capacity of 100 passengers. SMC plans to integrate terminal stations with metro rail, BRTS, and city bus services for better connectivity.
The Kochi team will send their initial findings to SMC next week, marking progress toward making Surat a hub for sustainable water transportation.