Mumbai, March 17 (NationPress) Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has instructed officials to pinpoint locations for the establishment of shipyards aimed at enhancing water passenger transport within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

This initiative is designed to promote the local construction of vessels necessary for the ambitious Water Metro project. During a meeting focused on assessing the government’s water transport initiatives, the CM stressed the importance of manufacturing boats at Maharashtra's own shipyards. He urged the administration to create the nation’s largest shipyard facility while maintaining high quality standards. The second phase of this initiative will prioritize the implementation of these manufacturing plans.

The Mumbai Water Metro Project seeks to establish a seamless, sustainable, and economical transportation system through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, as outlined in a government statement.

The project includes the development of 11 new waterways and 24 new terminals (spanning 215 km), modernization of 21 existing routes and 20 terminals (across 125 km), culminating in a comprehensive network of 340 km throughout the MMR. By 2031, it is projected to accommodate approximately 75 million passengers annually, as indicated by government reports.

The government announcement detailed that private operators will manage 207 Electric/Hybrid vessels, with an estimated investment of ₹3,156 crores, while the Maharashtra Maritime Board anticipates an infrastructure development cost of ₹3,436 crores. The first phase of the project will require an expenditure of ₹1,500 crores. Proposed locations for the development of shipyards include Nandgaon, Dighi, and Vijaydurg.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in line with the Central Government's 'Building Cluster' policy, aiming to engage reputable public and private entities in shipbuilding.

In a recent address during the Maharashtra State Budget for 2026-27, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted a significant shift in urban governance, forecasting that 70% of the state's population will reside in urban areas by 2047, contributing nearly 80% to Maharashtra’s GDP.

The state plans to enhance its Metro network to 1,200 km and expand its expressway network beyond 6,000 km. Major projects in Mumbai include Metro Line 11, running from Wadala to Gateway of India, a fully underground corridor estimated to cost ₹23,487 crores.