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The much-awaited Mumbai water taxi services are finally launched. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has commenced eco-friendly and convenient ferry rides between the Gateway of India and Nerul. The water taxi service was flagged off from Belapur with a total of eight boats, seven speedboats with a capacity of 10 to 30 passengers each, and a catamaran boat with a capacity of 56 passengers.
So, Navi Mumbai is now just a water taxi ride away from South Mumbai. You can take your pets, bikes, cars, and SUVs all the way to Navi Mumbai. Dodge the heavy traffic as you glide through the blue waters in a spacious ferry to reach your destination on time. So far, three routes have been finalized: Domestic Cruise Terminal at Ferry Wharf Mazgaon in South Mumbai and the terminals at Belapur, Belapur, and Elephanta Caves, and Belapur and JNPT.
The water taxi service, which was first planted three decades ago, will considerably reduce commute time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
According to reports from ABP Majha, the speed boats will take around 30 minutes to reach Bhaucha Dhakka in South Mumbai from Belapur in Navi Mumbai, while the catamaran service will take 45 to 50 minutes on the same route.
"We are looking at starting the services soon. Initially, we will start with 10-50 seater vessels, following which it can be increased as per the response," said Jalota. The plan also includes services to Rewas and Kashid. A senior official from MbPT said that the charges would range between ₹300- ₹400.
The much-awaited project will also have tourist spots like Elephanta Island and Kanhoji Angre Isle on its route.
Work on the Belapur Jetty project began in January 2019 and was wrapped up by September 2021. The state government spent Rs 8.37 crore on this project, which was implemented under the Sagarmala program - a flagship program of the Union shipping ministry to promote port-led development by harnessing India's extensive coastline.
The Mumbai Port Trust, Maharashtra Maritime Board, and City and Industrial Development Corporation {CIDCO} worked on this project together.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the new Belapur Jetty in Navi Mumbai, while Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the service in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and other dignitaries.
