In view of rough sea conditions during the monsoon season, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has announced a temporary change in the route of its passenger ferry service between JNPA port and Mumbai’s Gateway of India.
According to Captain Balasaheb Pawar of JNPA’s marine department, the regular ferry service will operate from Bhaucha Dhakka (Ferry Wharf) instead of the Gateway of India from June 1 to September 30 as a safety precaution. The service will be restored to its original route after the monsoon season.
Officials said the decision has been taken considering strong winds and high sea waves, which can rise up to 4–5 metres during the monsoon, making berthing operations at the Gateway of India unsafe.
The JNPA–Mumbai ferry service has been operating uninterrupted for the past 37 years and is widely used by port officials, employees, workers, and business professionals due to its affordability and time efficiency. The water transport service offers a travel time of about one hour, making it a faster and more economical alternative to road transport.
During the monsoon, ferry services on several routes, including Gateway of India to Alibaug and Elephanta Island, are also suspended due to safety concerns. However, the JNPA service will continue with a modified route instead of being completely halted.
To improve accessibility, special bus services have also been arranged from the JNPA residential colony to the landing jetty at regular intervals.
Officials said the service remains a vital transport link for thousands of people working in and around the port area, offering a cost-effective and relatively eco-friendly mode of daily commute.
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