Gateway to Navi Mumbai Airport in 40 min: E-water taxis, marina to speed up commute
As work on the Rs 190 crore Gateway of India-Radio Club marina project has begun and the state govt has already announced plans for water taxis, the transport scenario on the city's eastern waterfront is slated to offer citizens game-changing commute to the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.
E-water taxi project
Maharashtra Maritime Board
(MMB) will operate 15 electric boats on the Gateway of India–Elephanta Caves–Alibaug route.
Cost: Rs 330 crore; eachboat will cost Rs 22 crore.
The plan, recently submitted to MMB, was suggested by Kochi Water Metro, the project consultant.
Services likely to begin by end of monsoon, initially with 2 vessels, with capacity for 30 passengers each.
Boat manufacturer
: Candella, a Swedish firm specialising in hydrofoil technology.
Design of the new boats
Computer-guided underwater hydrofoil used to elevate hull out of water and minimise drag, giving illusion of flying.
Hydrofoil boats consume much less energy than traditional high-speed ferries and operate at 18-30 knots.
Marina project
Currently, 30-35L passengers travel each year from jetties along the Gateway of India to Elephanta, Alibaug, and Navi Mumbai
Given the huge potential, MMB has awarded contracts for the construction of marinas at Gateway of India and Radio Club, to tackle handling of 2.5 lakh+ passengers/year.
How the marina and water taxis will help traffic bound for new airport
Quick commute:
40-minute journey from south Mumbai to the airport
Faster than road:
It will save more than 30 minutes compared to travel via MTHL
Eco-friendly travel:
Electric taxis cut emissions and pollution
Decongest roads:
Less load on road and rail infrastructure
Fuel saver:
Less dependence on vehicles
Scenic route:
Pleasant travel via Mumbai harbour, Gateway, Elephanta and flamingo habitat at Nerul-Belapur creek
Deadline for the project is 2027. The marina project will have a parking facility for 150 cars, huge terminal waiting areas, a luggage handling system, an open air amphitheatre and e-golf carts for transportation.
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