Is Mumbai Ready for a New Water Taxi Service?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government is taking a pivotal step towards enhancing water transport in Mumbai. Minister Nitesh Rane has proposed a water taxi service to connect the Gateway of India with Navi Mumbai Airport, promising to significantly reduce travel time and ease road traffic. Discover more about this exciting initiative!
Key Takeaways
- Water taxi service planned to enhance connectivity.
- Travel time reduced to 40 minutes.
- Use of electric boats for environmental benefits.
- Focus on reducing traffic congestion.
- Preparation for green ports development.
Mumbai, June 2 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Minister of Ports and Fisheries, Nitesh Rane, has urged his department to devise a detailed plan for launching a water taxi service from the Radio Jetty at the Gateway of India to Navi Mumbai Airport.
He further instructed the ports department to prepare for the construction of jetties at necessary locations.
During the meeting, Rane emphasized that the construction of the terminal for the water taxis should commence in phases. Additionally, he called upon the Airport Authority to present proposals for obtaining the required permissions.
He requested that department officials identify sites for establishing jetties for cargo transport as well. “The state government is taking a significant step in enhancing water transport to alleviate traffic congestion in Mumbai,” he stated.
The minister announced that the new water taxi service aims to considerably cut down travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
“This service will link various regions of Navi Mumbai with Mumbai, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes. Utilizing electric boats in these water taxi services will minimize pollution and be advantageous for the environment. It will also ease traffic congestion in Mumbai, providing passengers with a comfortable travel experience,” added the minister.
Rane also mentioned that the Ports Department should aspire to rank among the top three departments in the Chief Minister's 150-day program. He emphasized the need for adopting new technologies to enhance public service.
The minister directed the ports department to fully prepare for the upcoming 150-day initiative.
He instructed a thorough examination of new technologies employed in port management across various states.
“An app should be developed for tracking boats. The department needs to create its own modern system for port development and boat oversight. Study tours should be organized to gather insights on this front,” he stated.
He concluded by saying that a comprehensive study and plan should be established, and that pending recruitments and appointments to vacant positions should be finalized.
“It is essential to complete the registration and focus on developing green ports,” he remarked.
Point of View
I believe that the proposed water taxi service is a significant advancement for Mumbai's transport infrastructure. It not only addresses the pressing issue of traffic congestion but also aligns with sustainable practices through the use of electric boats. Overall, this initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility while being environmentally conscious.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the water taxi service?
The water taxi service aims to connect the Gateway of India with Navi Mumbai Airport, significantly reducing travel time and alleviating traffic congestion.
How long will the journey take?
The journey between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai is expected to take approximately 40 minutes.
What type of boats will be used?
The service will utilize electric boats to minimize pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
When will the service begin?
The exact timeline for the service launch has not been specified, but construction is set to begin soon.
How will this initiative impact traffic in Mumbai?
By providing an alternative mode of transport, the water taxi service is expected to reduce the traffic burden on Mumbai's roads.
