Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce electric water taxis between South Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, drastically reducing travel time while positioning the city as a leader in sustainable urban mobility.
The proposed water taxi route will link Colaba’s Radio Club Jetty—near the Gateway of India—to a terminal near the Navi Mumbai airport. Currently, this intercity stretch takes over an hour by road, even via the recently inaugurated Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. The new water route is expected to cut commute time to just 40 minutes, offering a fast, low-emission alternative to vehicular traffic.
Backed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and endorsed in a high-level review led by Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, the initiative aims to decongest roadways while promoting marine-based transit. With legal hurdles cleared by the Supreme Court for passenger infrastructure at the Gateway of India and Radio Club, preparatory work on jetties and terminals can now proceed unhindered.The water taxis will be fully electric, in line with the state’s push towards zero-carbon transport. These vessels are expected to operate with minimal noise, zero tailpipe emissions, and low wake impact—fitting into Mumbai’s broader efforts to green its heavily polluted transport sector.
Terminal construction will occur in phases, starting near the Navi Mumbai International Airport under the oversight of the maritime board. Seamless integration with existing networks—such as the forthcoming Mumbai Water Metro, city bus routes, metro lines, and suburban rail—will be essential to ensuring last-mile connectivity and wider adoption.Authorities believe this project could become a key mobility node in Mumbai’s urban ecosystem, especially as the airport begins operations. The planned water route, connecting the city’s historic southern tip to its next big aviation hub, carries symbolic as well as practical significance in a region plagued by congestion and planning gridlocks.
Though a timeline for the first fleet launch has not yet been formally announced, instructions have been issued to begin infrastructure planning and secure environmental and regulatory clearances, particularly from the Airport Authority of India. The emphasis on inter-agency coordination reflects the project’s complexity—and the city’s growing urgency to embrace climate-resilient transport options.Urban planners view the water taxi proposal not just as a transit solution, but as an opportunity to redefine public access to the waterfront. For decades, Mumbai’s coastline has been restricted by industrial and naval activity. With this initiative, the city could reclaim part of its shoreline for civilian use—while helping commuters bypass choked highways.
As Mumbai contends with worsening air quality and expanding urban sprawl, the water taxi plan reflects a significant step toward reimagining how cities move their people. Whether this service scales equitably and affordably will ultimately determine its legacy—but its promise of speed, sustainability, and innovation has already put it on the national mobility map.
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