DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has asked for bids to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and provide Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for proposed Urban Water Metro systems in Srinagar, Guwahati, and Kolkata. The project aims to explore water-based public transport in these three cities.
Tender Information
| Information | Details |
| Project | DPR and PMC Services for Urban Water Metro Systems |
| Tender Number | IWAI/Cargo/591/2026-27 |
| EMD | Rs 98.74 lakh |
| Pre-bid meeting | 03.07.2026, (14:30 hrs) |
| Bid Submission Last Date | 22.07.2026 up to (15:00 hrs |
| Bid Opening date | 23.07.2026 at (15:30 hrs) |
Scope of work
The selected consultant will prepare a Detailed Project Report to assess the potential for establishing an Urban Water Transport System (UWTS) in Srinagar, Guwahati and Kolkata. The report will evaluate critical aspects such as infrastructure requirements, potential terminal locations, identifying potential routes, projected passenger demand, financial viability, regulatory and institutional frameworks, and stakeholder perspectives. The consultant will also provide Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for all three cities.
Proposed Locations in Srinagar
The study will cover:
- 11 locations on the River Jhelum
Locations: Pantha Chowk, Batwara/ Bantamaloo, K P Bridge, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal Bridge, Shah E Hamdan/ Maharaj Gunj, Chhatabal Weir/ Chhatabal Shrine/ Safa Kadal, Chhatabal Weir – 2, Sumbal/ Sumbal Bridge, Hajin Bridge, Wular Lake.
- 10 locations on Dal Lake
Locations: Nehru Park, Zabarwan Park, Tulip Garden, Char Chinar Dal Lake, Vakeel Colony, Nishat Garden, Mirza Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Naseem Bagh, Dargah Hazratbal Shrine
Proposed Locations in Guwahati
Gateway of Guwahati, Uzaan Bazar, Umananda, Pandu Port, Guwahati Airport, Palashbari River View Point, IIT Guwahati, North Guwahati, Rajadwar Ghat, Kurua Ferry, Sualkuchi, Choonsali
Proposed Locations in Kolkata
Locations: Shalimar Ghat, Golabari, Princep Ghat, Ahiritola, Babughat Ferry, Shovabazar, Ramkrishnapur Ferry Ghat, Bagbazar, Shipping Ferry Ghat, Kashipur, Fairlie, Belur Math, Armenian Ghat, Kutighat/Baranagar, Howrah Station Jetty, Dakshineswar.
Cruise terminal integration
IWAI also intends to construct and operate cruise terminals in Srinagar (River Jhelum), UT of J&K; Guwahati, Assam and Kolkata, West Bengal. The selected consultant is expected to design the terminals having the cruise facility along with ferry operations at certain location(s). The work of designing cruise terminal(s) has been already awarded by IWAI to another consultant. The selected consultant is expected to account for the design for the earlier awarded cruise terminal while designing the facility for UWMS at that location. Both cruise and ferry terminals would be having separate entry/ exit along with berthing provisions. The location(s) of the cruise terminal(s) would be shared later with the selected consultant.
About the project
IWAI operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. It aims to promote inland water transport as a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable way to travel. If executed, the proposed water metro systems could provide a new public transport option in Srinagar, Guwahati, and Kolkata. This would reduce pressure on roads and make better use of existing waterways.
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