Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 17: In a significant push towards enhancing water-based public transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), a techno-economic feasibility study proposing the development of a 252-kilometre-long water taxi network was presented to the Maharashtra state government on Monday. The estimated capital investment for the ambitious project stands at Rs 2,500 crore.
The study, prepared by Kochi Water Metro, outlines 10 strategic water routes connecting key parts of the MMR, including areas such as Vasai, Kalyan, Nariman Point, Gateway of India, Mandwa, and Navi Mumbai, among others. A proposal to add more routes along Mumbai’s western seafront, including Worli, Juhu, and Versova, is also under consideration before moving ahead with the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The proposal was submitted in a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane. An official present said, “The current study does not include some crucial Mumbai routes. These will be incorporated and the DPR will be prepared accordingly.”
Proposed Routes Include:
• Narangi–Kharwadeswari (1 km) near Virar
• Vasai–Mira Bhayandar–Gaimukh–Nagale (16 km)
• Kalher–Kolshet–Mulund–Airoli–Vashi–DCT–Gateway (50 km)
• Gaimukh–Kalher–Mumbra–Kalyan (31 km)
• New Airport–Belapur–Vashi (14 km)
• Vasai–Marve–Nariman Point (61 km)
• Borivali–Gorai–Marve–Manori (6 km)
• Rewas–Karanja–Gateway (19 km)
• Belapur–Gateway–Mandwa (38 km)
• Gateway–Elephanta–Nhava (17 km)
Key Highlights:
• Out of the 10 proposed routes, five are projected to become financially viable by 2029, while two routes will require government support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
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• Each terminal is estimated to require Rs 5 crore for upgrades and passenger amenities.
• The report anticipates 2.44 lakh daily trips by 2031, increasing to 3.42 lakh by 2041.
Infrastructure Plans:
The proposal details essential civil infrastructure including:
• Terminals with passenger amenities
• Floating pontoons and gangways
• Boatyards for maintenance
• Fueling and night parking jetties
• Access roads and parking
• Promotion of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)
This transformative plan is seen as a much-needed alternative to ease pressure on Mumbai's congested roads and railways. If executed successfully, it could redefine urban mobility in the coastal metropolis and make MMR a national model for water-based commuting.