December 12, 2025: Maharashtra has intensified its maritime push, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directing officials to fast-track the development of an all-electric Mumbai Water Metro and setting a 2026 target for India’s largest shipyard in the state. During a detailed review of the Ports Development Department at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasised that the upcoming Water Metro must surpass the Kochi Water Metro in scale and modernity.
The meeting was attended by Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport & Ports) Sanjay Sethi and senior officials of the Maharashtra Maritime Board. Fadnavis highlighted the need for innovative planning, stating that the proposed water metro or water taxi system, currently in the detailed project report stage, should integrate hybrid vessels initially and transition entirely to electric boats. The upcoming network proposes 21 terminals and a 200-nautical-mile grid intended to transform mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
With Maharashtra witnessing 1.80 crore passengers using 36 water routes annually — including 1.60 crore on 21 routes within Mumbai — the Chief Minister said the data underscores the urgency for a structured, modern water transport system.
Shifting to long-term maritime growth, Fadnavis said the state must harness its 720-km coastline and the economic potential tied to the under-construction Vadhavan port. He instructed officials to swiftly prepare a comprehensive DPR and finalize a site for the proposed shipyard, aiming for it to become the largest in India by 2026.
He also called for improved connectivity to support port-led development, urging departments to begin land acquisition for the Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line, which he termed essential for boosting activity at Jaigad, Angre, Redi and Vijaywada ports. Reviewing the Vadhavan–Nashik highway project, he stressed meticulous corridor planning to accommodate affected areas and future industrial expansion.
To attract large-scale investment in coastal regions, Fadnavis proposed creating a joint venture between MIDC and the Ports Department and recommended establishing a Special Planning Authority to oversee long-term development around Vadhavan port.
Source: The Indian Express
