Water taxis to ease Mumbai's traffic woes – 15 new jetties and 8 routes planned
The Maharashtra Government is set to launch the water taxi project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With technical support from the Kochi Water Metro project, the state has planned to develop 15 new jetties and introduce eight water taxi routes connecting major points in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad.
The project is being jointly implemented by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Department.
It has been learnt that a Kochi Water Metro delegation visited Mumbai recently and handed over a feasibility report, and planning has entered the implementation phase.
'This is a significant step towards addressing Mumbai's perennial traffic congestion. Water taxis will offer a green and time-saving mode of daily commute. We aim to finish the first phase in the next two years,' an MMB source said.
For the water taxi project, the MMB will have a 50:50 equity joint venture with the Centre. A private company has been roped in to draw up the feasibility report and submit it to the Ports Department.
Faster commute
Existing travel times between south Mumbai and Vasai are over two hours by road. With water taxis, the same distance could be reduced to 40-50 minutes. Similarly, the Kalyan to Vasai trip, currently taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes, could be covered in 35-45 minutes on water.
The eight shortlisted routes are:
1. Narangi-Khar Wadeshwari
2. Vasai-Mira Bhayander-Fountain Jetty- Gaimukh-Nagale
3. Kolshet-Kalher-Mumbra-Kalyan
4. Kalyan-Mumbra-Mulund-Airoli-Vashi-DTC-Gateway of India
5. Mulund-Airoli-DTC-Gateway of India
6. Mira Bhayander-Vasai-Borivali-Nariman Point-Mandwa
7. Belapur-Gateway-Mandwa
8. Borivali-Nariman Point
Of the 21 locations identified overall for jetties, 15 will be built in phase one, with the remaining to be constructed in phase two. The second stage of the project will also involve Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) ferry services and water ambulances.
Learning from Kochi
The Kochi Water Metro has been recognised nationally for its efficient, electric-powered boat services integrated with land transport. Drawing from Kochi's expertise, Mumbai hopes to introduce modern, eco-friendly vessels that will not only reduce travel time but also curb pollution and traffic burden on roads.
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