The long-delayed water transport project in Navi Mumbai is finally taking shape. The much-awaited Nerul-Bhaucha Dhakka passenger ferry service is set to begin on December 15.
This launch will mark a significant milestone for the CIDCO-built Nerul Passenger Water Terminal (NPWT).
The new ferry service will reduce the cross-harbour travel time from the current 90 minutes to approximately 30 minutes.
According to a Hindustan Times report, a 20-seater boat will be operated on this route, making four trips daily. The fare for this ferry will be INR 935 per passenger.
CIDCO officials stated that they expect to receive the final approvals from maritime authorities in time for the launch.
The Nerul terminal, built at a cost of approximately INR 150 crore and inaugurated in 2023, remained inactive for almost three years due to insufficient water depth, pending permissions, and several failed tenders.
Services on the Nerul-Elephanta route finally commenced this year, but passenger numbers have remained extremely low. Only about 60 passengers travelled on this route last month.
The ferry operator, Waterfront Experiences Mumbai Pvt Ltd of the Drishti Group, said enhanced safety measures have been introduced for the Nerul–Mumbai route. All passengers will be required to wear life jackets during boarding. The company also plans to boost footfall through tourism-focused additions.
The operator is also preparing a series of tourism attractions to build footfall at the terminal.
By January, water sports, including speedboat and jet skiing will also be launched. A floating restaurant and a flamingo tourism circuit are also in the pipeline.
Under the planned eco-tourism initiative, passengers arriving from Mumbai will be taken for guided flamingo viewing at DPS Lake, following an orientation at the jetty.