Water taxi from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai likely to be launched in December

The much-awaited water taxi from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai water is expected to begin soon. As per reports, officials are planning to start the operations on this route from December 16, 2021, however official announcements are yet to be made. 

The trial run for this route has been completed and the jetty has been constructed at both the locations. 

Currently, Mumbaikars have been using roads and railways to reach Navi Mumbai, and with increasing population and development plans, commuters have to spend a few hours daily which makes the journey difficult. Hence, using this new mode of transport is expected to be a boon to the citizens. Experts state that the journey from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai, in the water taxi, can be completed 40 minutes, once operational. 

Adding more, Mumbai Port Trust Chairman, Rajiv Jalota, has informed said that the Domestic Cruise Terminal in Mumbai is ready to welcome passengers. The selection of a company providing taxi services on this route has also been completed. Efforts are being made to make the journey of commuters faster and easier. 

As of now, the one-way fare on the water taxi is expected to be around INR 300, which is much higher than the Rs 15 for second class and INR 150 for first class travel. However, officials have stated that passengers will be able to travel comfortably. On the other hand, passengers who travel regularly in the private cabs can benefit from water taxi as the prices are said to be comparatively lower.

In October 2021, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) held a trial run of the services between Navi Mumbai’s Belapur and Mumbai’s Ferry Wharf domestic terminal. As per reports, this service will be a testament to three-decade-old plan whereby leaders and the government, over the years, has planned water-based passenger transport thereby connecting different parts of the city and nearby areas.

Moreover, the department is working towards starting such services on 12 routes and a ropex service on four routes, and this development in transport is going to make lives easier in Mumbai and nearby areas, in the near future. Following places will be connected soon to-and-from Mumbai: Airoli, Belapur, Dharamtar, Kanhoji Angre Island, Karanja, Nerul, Rewas, Thane and Vashi.