The Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce water taxi services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), banking on the city’s vast coastline to ease mounting road congestion.
The project, backed by a detailed project report and already attracting interest from international maritime consultants, marks a shift in the state’s transport planning — one that prioritises clean energy, efficient commuting, and innovative multimodal integration. Speaking about the upcoming development, a senior state minister confirmed that the initial blueprint identifies eight to nine key routes across the MMR where water taxis could operate effectively. These routes are designed to complement the metro and suburban rail networks while offering a viable alternative to the city’s often gridlocked roads. The initiative is being rolled out under the aegis of the Maharashtra Maritime Board, which will oversee the service’s implementation and operations.
In a forward-thinking move towards carbon neutrality, the government plans to deploy electric vessels on prominent tourist and commuter routes such as Gateway of India to Alibaug and Elephanta Island. The first fleet will include 15 electric boats sourced from Candela Cruise, a Swedish firm known for its cutting-edge electric maritime technology. Two vessels are scheduled to arrive by August, with trials and phased rollouts expected thereafter. These 30-seater boats will offer a quieter, faster, and environmentally friendlier travel experience across Mumbai’s waters.
Importantly, the new service is not aimed at replacing the existing wooden ferries, which have historically served island-bound destinations. Instead, commuters will have the freedom to choose between legacy boats and modern electric alternatives, much like the current landscape of cab aggregators coexisting with public buses and auto-rickshaws. This inclusive approach not only preserves livelihood opportunities for traditional operators but also widens commuter choice.
Further enhancing the region’s maritime network, a Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) service is also on the horizon. Set to commence during the upcoming Ganpati festival, this service will connect Mazgaon in South Mumbai to Malvan in Sindhudurg district in just four and a half hours. New jetties are under construction in Ratnagiri, Vijaydurg, and Malvan to support this expanded service model, which is expected to provide a robust logistics corridor alongside passenger travel.
The government’s vision is not merely infrastructural — it’s environmental and economic. By turning to electric mobility on water, the administration is making a direct intervention in reducing urban pollution while creating modern, equitable transport options. As Mumbai’s population density continues to exert pressure on its roads and rails, tapping into the coastline offers an opportunity to rewrite the city’s mobility story — this time with a green imprint and global foresight.
If executed with efficiency and inclusivity, the water taxi project could become a model for other coastal cities in India striving for a future where transport is not just faster and smarter, but cleaner and more accessible to all.
Mumbai Set to Launch Water Taxi Network
