In a significant move to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai, the Maharashtra state government has announced plans to launch a water taxi service between Radio Jetty, near the Gateway of India, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The proposed electric boat service is expected to cut travel time between the two points to just 40 minutes, offering a faster, greener alternative to existing road routes.
A high-level meeting regarding the project was held on Monday at Mantralaya, chaired by State Port and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane. During the meeting, Rane directed officials from the Fisheries Department to commence phased construction of jetties at key locations to support the service. He also instructed the airport authority to promptly submit proposals to obtain all necessary permissions.
In addition to the passenger service, the minister emphasised the need to identify suitable sites for developing jetties dedicated to cargo transport, aiming to bolster maritime logistics across the region.
What sets the initiative apart is its focus on sustainability — the service will operate using electric boats, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Government officials believe this eco-friendly water taxi will not only enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai but also offer a safer and more comfortable commuting experience.
Once operational, the service is expected to become an integral part of Mumbai’s multi-modal transport network, contributing to decongesting the city’s choked roadways and improving urban mobility.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Sanjay Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation Department; Brijesh Singhal from the Navi Mumbai Airport Authority; and Pradeep Badiye of the Maharashtra Maritime Board, alongside other departmental representatives.
Source: The Free Press Journal
