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The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has been tasked with creating a comprehensive plan for the introduction of water transport in Mumbai and its surrounding regions, as announced by the state's transport minister, Pratap Sarnaik. The directive includes the development of a detailed project report (DPR) aimed at enhancing the city's connectivity through waterways, encompassing water taxis, ferries, and the roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) services.
These services are pivotal for the transportation of vehicles and goods, facilitating ease of movement across water bodies. Sarnaik highlighted the initiative during a casual conversation with the press, following a discussion that saw participation from key governmental departments.
Sarnaik, in his discussions, pointed out the geographical advantage of Mumbai, which is bordered by water on all sides, with neighboring districts like Thane, Palghar, and Raigad also boasting extensive coastlines, creeks, and rivers. The minister underscored the need for water transport to receive the same level of importance as other urban transit systems such as ropeways, metros, and monorails.
This push for parity aims to elevate water transport as a critical component of the city's mobility framework. The development of the DPR by the MMB chairman, to be presented within two months, reflects a strategic move towards realizing this vision of integrated transportation.
The meeting, which saw the convergence of minds from the urban development department, the MMRDA, and other state agencies, also discussed the potential for public-private partnerships in expanding ro-ro services. This collaboration could significantly enhance the efficiency and scope of water-based transport solutions.
Furthermore, Sarnaik mentioned ongoing projects under the urban development department's purview, including surveys for ropeways and multifunctional underground parking facilities at key transit points. These projects, alongside the proposed pod taxi service connecting Bandra-Kurla Complex with suburban Kurla, aim to revolutionize urban mobility in Mumbai. Expected to be completed by 2028-29, the pod taxi project, operating on a Build-Operate-Transfer model, signifies a step towards futuristic transport solutions.
To bolster the transport infrastructure of Mumbai, the government has committed to funding surveys for the implementation of ropeways and the establishment of underground parking lots equipped with shopping and fueling stations.
This endeavor, spearheaded by the urban development department and supported by the MMRDA, reflects a holistic approach to urban development, addressing the need for innovative and efficient transportation solutions. The ongoing survey for the pod taxi service, slated for completion by October, exemplifies the proactive efforts to integrate advanced mobility options within the city's landscape.
