The Mumbai Water Metro project, which plans to use battery-powered ferries to reduce road traffic, is likely to begin in stages from December, said Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane.
(Note: The above image is only for demonstrative purpose and not real picture)
In a conversation with PTI, Rane explained that his department is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which is expected to be submitted by February 28.
According to the minister, the state government is planning six to eight routes across the MMR. These routes will be served by electric boats under the water taxi project, which is estimated to cost around ₹1,200 crore.
After the DPR is submitted, the government will review which routes are practical. Discussions will be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and two routes will be selected first for the initial phase.
Rane said the project will begin within Mumbai city before expanding to the larger MMR, which includes nearby districts.
Within Mumbai, the main routes under consideration include Nariman Point, Worli, Bandra, Juhu, and Versova. Two of these routes are expected to be launched first.
He also mentioned that once the Radio Club jetty near the Gateway of India is completed, passengers will be able to reach Navi Mumbai International Airport in about 40 minutes by water transport.
The project is inspired by the Kochi Water Metro in Kerala. A formal announcement is expected to be made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the state budget presentation on March 6.
Key Highlights
- Battery-powered electric ferries planned for Mumbai
- Six to eight routes proposed across the MMR
- Project cost estimated at ₹1,200 crore
- First phase to start with two routes
- Mumbai city rollout before MMR expansion
- Nariman Point–Worli–Bandra–Juhu–Versova corridor
- 40-minute water travel to Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Modelled on the Kochi Water Metro
- Expected announcement in the March 6 state budget
