In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Maharashtra government is set to introduce a new water taxi project that would transform urban travel. This ambitious project intends to establish eight strategic water taxi lines connecting important places around Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, with technical assistance from the renowned Kochi Water Metro program. There will be a total of 21 sites designated for the project, with 15 new jetties being created as part of the first phase.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Department. A delegation from Kochi Water Metro recently visited Mumbai and submitted a detailed feasibility report, marking the beginning of the implementation phase. The Kochi model, widely recognised for its efficient electric-powered boat services and seamless integration with land transport, is serving as a guiding framework for the Mumbai project.
An MMB official described the project as a game-changer for daily commuters, stating that the water taxis would provide an environmentally friendly, time-saving alternative to traditional road travel. Notably, the current journey from South Mumbai to Vasai, which takes over two hours by road, could be completed in just 40 to 50 minutes via water taxi. Likewise, the Kalyan to Vasai route, presently a 100-minute drive, is expected to be reduced to under 45 minutes.
The MMB and the Central Government will hold equal equity in this joint venture, while a private consultancy firm has been engaged to prepare the final feasibility report for submission to the Ports Department. The project’s second phase will further expand services with the addition of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry operations and water ambulances, enhancing both public and emergency water transport infrastructure.
Mumbai hopes to use contemporary, environmentally friendly ships by utilising Kochi’s established experience in order to lessen the city’s ongoing traffic jams and air pollution. With the first phase slated to be finished in two years, the project is anticipated to greatly improve urban mobility.
Source: The Indian Express
