December 11, 2025: Navi Mumbai’s long-delayed water transport network is set for a breakthrough as the Nerul–Mumbai passenger ferry finally begins operations on December 15. The service will connect CIDCO’s Nerul Passenger Water Terminal (NPWT) with Mumbai’s Bhaucha Dhakka in a 30-minute cross-harbour ride, a sharp contrast to the 90-minute road journey. Tickets are priced at Rs 935, with four daily trips on a 20-seater vessel. Final route permissions from maritime authorities are expected shortly.
CIDCO vice chairman and managing director Vijay Singhal said the launch strengthens the region’s evolving multi-modal mobility system. “With the airport, metro and road corridors advancing, water transport will now become a key connector. This link will drastically reduce travel time and bring water mobility back into the network,” he said. He added that the Nerul terminal is finally moving towards its intended multi-route capacity. “With the Elephanta service running, the Bhaucha Dhakka link ready, and additional leisure-based activities underway, the jetty is edging closer to its planned maritime footprint,” he said.
The operator, Waterfront Experiences Mumbai Pvt Ltd of the Drishti Group, has enhanced safety norms, making life jackets mandatory during boarding. The company is also developing tourism activities to draw visitors. “Water sports are next—we plan to start speedboat shows by January, jet skiing will begin soon, and a floating restaurant and flamingo tourism circuit are in the works,” an official said. Under the eco-tourism plan, visitors from Mumbai will be briefed at the jetty before guided flamingo viewing at DPS Lake.
The Rs 150-crore Nerul terminal, inaugurated in 2023, remained idle for years due to inadequate water depth, permissions, and tender lapses. It began limited operations this year with the Nerul–Elephanta service, though ridership remains weak. “Over the past month, not more than 60 passengers have used the Elephanta service,” the operator said.
A Ro-Ro plan has been dismissed as unviable due to low draft levels. As the Mumbai link launches and leisure services expand, the coming months will determine whether NPWT can evolve into the multi-route maritime hub CIDCO envisioned.
Source: Hindustan Times
