June 18, 2025: In a pioneering move to tackle its chronic traffic congestion, Mumbai is set to introduce a fleet of 11 flying electric ferries, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to road transport. Operated by city-based company JalVimana, the high-speed hydrofoiling vessels—Sweden’s cutting-edge Candela P-12—will form the backbone of an electric waterway transit network across Mumbai.
The announcement came during India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Stockholm, where Candela CEO Gustav Hasselskog and JalVimana CEO Niraj Thakur confirmed the landmark deal. The Candela P-12 uses hydrofoil technology—underwater wings that lift the hull above the water—dramatically reducing drag, noise, energy consumption, and emissions, while delivering a smooth and silent ride.
“This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai’s waterways,” said Hasselskog. “With the P-12, we will demonstrate that foiling electric ferries can add a vital new layer of mobility to urban environments.”
The initiative is part of Maharashtra’s broader ambition to modernise urban transport through sustainable maritime infrastructure. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane have unveiled plans to incorporate thousands of electric vessels into the public transport network, creating seamless connectivity along the coastline.
The project’s first phase includes routes from the Gateway of India to Alibaug—slashing travel times from nearly three hours to under 30 minutes—and to Elephanta Island. A direct link between the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport and the city centre is also in the pipeline.
“This is a significant leap forward for Mumbai and a milestone in India’s vision for a greener future,” said Thakur. Having launched commercially in Stockholm in 2024, Candela’s P-12 now heads to Mumbai in what will become the world’s largest fleet of electric passenger ferries—setting a global benchmark in urban maritime mobility.
Source: ET Travel World
