The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has signed 13 different Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) /agreements worth INR 7,510 crores to boost water transport and tourism in the city ahead of Maritime India Summit.
The agreements include starting water taxis from the domestic cruise terminal (DCT) in south Mumbai for INR 75 crores, introducing harbour cruise tourism for INR 15 crores, developing a Marina for INR 370 crores, and shipbuilding and allied activities for INR 1,300 crores among other agreements.
In talks for years now, MbPT is looking at starting water taxi services from south Mumbai to Belapur and Nerul in the next few months.
Water taxis will be available from Mumbai (Princess Dock) to Vashi, Airoli, Nerul, Belapur and JNPT. Also, the distance from Mumbai to Belapur can be covered in about an hour. Initially, it will start with 10-50 seater vessels, following which it can be increased to 100 passengers as per the response. Later, it is also expected to expand ro-ro service to Gujarat. Apart from this, floating dry docks will also be set up for inspection and repairs.
Besides, the plan also includes services to Rewas and Kashid. A senior official from MbPT said that the charges would range between INR 300 - INR 400.
Moreover, in a press conference held on Wednesday, February 24, MbPT chairman Rajiv Jalota said that MoUs worth INR 12,000 crores more are in the pipeline.
MbPT is also planning Mumbai’s first marina for 300 yachts at an 8.02 hectares land near the DCT. Jalota also said that MbPT will complete the Mumbai international cruise terminal project by the end of this year. MbPT aims to transform Mumbai into a cruise tourism hot spot catering to 15 lakh cruise passengers by the end of 2030.
To boost investment in ports and maritime sectors, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has organised the Maritime India Summit from March 2 to 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual India Maritime Summit this year.
Share
Tweet
