Mumbai's BEST Introduces Water Taxi Service for Commuters

Now Mumbaikars will be able to travel by BEST's water taxi. The BEST is testing a water taxi option that runs on both land and water.

This test will be done in cooperation with Maharashtra Maritime Board. The BEST expects its report by March following which a final decision will be taken. By June, the BEST aims to introduce 500 app-based AC taxis. This option has come forward as a solution to the traffic jam in Mumbai. 

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced this last year. Considering the increasing pollution in Mumbai, the concept of starting taxis from land and water has come forward. If such a service is introduced, it will save fuel and reduce pollution. It is also intended that a new option will be available to the passengers.

Mumbai to Mandwa water taxi 
Water Taxi has been started from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai (Belapur) and Mumbai to Mandwa. However, the Mumbai to Navi Mumbai water truck has been closed due to lack of passenger numbers. Meanwhile, Mumbai Cruise Terminal to Mandwa water taxi has started. With the introduction of water taxis on this route, it has become possible to complete the journey from Mumbai to Mandwa in just 40 to 45 minutes.

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Introduction of water taxi service
The then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray started the water taxi service in February 2022 to provide another option of transportation to passengers by waterway. Currently this service is active between Belapur to JNPT, Elephanta. A water taxi service between Mumbai and Mandwa has started almost six months after getting permission to start the service from Mumbai Cruise Terminal. However, the Mumbai to Belapur service received little response.