Centre to study Krishna River Water Metro linking Vijayawada and Amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh government has approached the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for clearance to develop a Water Metro across the Krishna River region, linking Vijayawada with Amaravati. In response to the request, a team from the Government of India is expected to visit soon to carry out a preliminary study of the proposal.

The request was made in a letter to IWAI Chairman Sushil Kumar Lohani by A.P. Inland Waterways Authority (APIWA) Chairman Z. Siva Prasad. The proposal draws on the model of the Kochi Water Metro.

In his communication, Mr. Siva Prasad noted that three National Waterways — NW-4, NW-79 and NW-104 — pass through Andhra Pradesh, and that the Krishna and Godavari rivers already support around 250 operational inland vessels engaged in cargo, ferry and tourism services.

He observed that the Vijayawada–Amaravati capital region is urbanising rapidly, with commuter demand rising sharply. The present transport network is heavily dependent on roads, leading to congestion and environmental strain, and the Krishna River could serve as a natural corridor for a sustainable water metro system.

The proposed service is positioned as a safe and eco-friendly transit option that would ease pressure on the road network and improve regional mobility. It is expected to cut vehicular traffic, fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, while the deployment of electric or hybrid vessels would support the Centre's Net-Zero commitments. The project is also seen as a potential boost to tourism in and around the capital region.

The water metro falls under the purview of National Waterway-4 and would cover a waterway distance of about 30 km between Vijayawada and Amaravati.

According to official sources, the APIWA has planned the project in two phases: Vijayawada to Rayapudi, and Rayapudi to Amaravati. A technical feasibility study conducted by Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Limited in 2021, along with a cargo boat trial run organised by APIWA this year, indicated that the Vijayawada–Rayapudi stretch would not require major dredging. The Rayapudi–Amaravati segment, however, needs dredging and the development of a navigation channel.

The APIWA has sought approval under the Water Metro Policy of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and has committed to allotting land for waterway terminals in line with the relevant policies of the AP Capital Region Development Authority.