Mumbaikars, we come bearing great travel-related news for you! The Maharashtra Government will soon introduce the much-awaited water taxi service at Navi Mumbai International Airport. In fact, it will become India’s first airport to offer water taxi services. Inspired by the Kochi Water Metro project, Mumbai’s water taxis will be designed on similar lines. Read on to know more about this ambitious water-based project.
Water Taxis To Come Up At Navi Mumbai International Airport
As per a report by Mid-day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced at a review meeting that the Navi Mumbai International Airport in the state will be India’s first airport have water taxi facilities. At the meeting of CIDCO, the state-run planning authority, CM Fadnavis affirmed the importance of starting water taxi services at Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The Maharashtra Government will launch the water taxis in partnership with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Kochi Water Metro project offered technical support. The state plans to introduce eight water taxi routes. These will connect major points in the state like Mumbai, Raigad, Thane and Palghar. Moreover, 15 new jetties will see the light of day.
To assist in the development of the ambitious track project, a delegation from Kochi Water Metro flew to Mumbai. The delegation handed a feasibility report and engaged in planning the implementation phase.
As per a report by Mid-day, CM Fadnavis stated that apart from water taxis, the government will focus on aircraft repair and good parking facilities. He assured Mumbaikars that metro, water, rail and road connectivity to Navi Mumbai International Airport will be completed on time without delays.
Jetties, Routes Planned To Relieve Traffic Woes Of Daily Commuters
A source from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) stated to Mid-day that water taxis will address the city’s ever-present traffic concern. Moreover, the water taxis will be an eco-friendly and time-saving mode of daily commute for Mumbaikars.
Currently, it takes two hours to travel from South Mumbai to Vasai by road. Once the water taxis open to the public, this distance will be cut short by 40 to 50 minutes. The trip from Kalyan to Vasai would take just 35-45 minutes by water.
Meanwhile, here are eight shortlisted routes for the water taxis:
1. Borivali-Nariman Point
2. Mulund-Airoli-DTC-Gateway of India
3. Narangi-Khar Wadeshwari
4. Kalyan-Mumbra-Mulund-Airoli-Vashi-DTC-Gateway of India
5. Kolshet-Kalher-Mumbra-Kalyan
6. Belapur-Gateway-Mandwa
7. Mira Bhayander-Vasai-Borivali-Nariman Point-Mandwa
8. Vasai-Mira Bhayander-Fountain Jetty- Gaimukh-Nagale
While 15 jetties will be built in phase one and the remaining jetties out of 21 jetties will be built in phase two. Mumbaikars, are you excited to welcome these water taxis?
Cover Image Courtesy: @FINANCIALNEWS09/ X (Picture used for representation)
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