The Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mansukh Mandaviya recently headed a meeting to review the pending Urban Water Transportation projects in Mumbai and across Maharashtra.
Other officials from the ministry along with the chairperson of Mumbai Port and some officials of the Maharashtra Maritime Board were also in attendance at this review meeting.
The agencies have planned new water routes for transportation that could consequently help reduce traffic on Mumbai’s roads. Four new RoPax ferry routes and 12 new water taxi routes have been proposed with officials saying these routes will be operational by December 2021.
Also read - Maharashtra Govt To Start Ferry Services Between Mumbai And Navi Mumbai
As of now, RoPax services are operational from the Bhaucha Dhakka or Ferry Wharf to Alibaug’s Mandwa. This service reduces the 110 Km road journey to a mere 18 Km utilizing the waterways.
While it would take nearly four hours for this journey via roadways, the ferry can take commuters to their destination in just one hour. The success of this service has led to the authorities planning RoPax ferry services for other routes in Mumbai.
Read - Mumbai's Ro-Ro Ferry Service Received Average Response In 5 Months
Mandaviya said that the idea to expand waterways with new ferry routes is in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to utilize waterways in order to boost the economic development of the nation.
Investments in developing waterways can further create a network of RoPax and water taxi services across coastal states of the country while also furthering tourism opportunities.
Also read - Environmentalists Warn Of Flood Risk Due To Landfilling Near Mithi River At Aarey
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