Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to become the first airport in India to offer water taxi services.
This initiative is expected to revolutionise urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced that the water taxi services would enable commuters to reach the Navi Mumbai International Airport from various parts of Mumbai in just 17 minutes. The services are slated to commence operations in March 2025, coinciding with the airport’s inauguration.
The project plans to establish 15 strategically located jetties across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, facilitating seamless water-based transportation. These jetties will serve as docking points for the water taxis, which are expected to operate along eight designated routes, connecting key areas such as South Mumbai, Thane, and the western suburbs to the new airport. The water taxis will be constructed using fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), a lightweight and durable material that ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This choice of material aligns with the project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental considerations.
By harnessing the vast sea routes around Mumbai and Thane, the water taxi services aim to alleviate traffic congestion on the city’s overburdened roads and reduce air pollution levels. The introduction of this service is part of a broader initiative to modernise urban transport infrastructure and promote eco-friendly alternatives. The Maharashtra government is actively seeking investors to develop and implement this innovative project, which is expected to transform the way residents and visitors commute to and from the airport. Once operational, the water taxi services will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to the state’s sustainability goals by providing a greener mode of transportation.
As the project progresses, further details regarding the specific routes, schedules, and fare structures will be announced. The successful implementation of the water taxi services at Navi Mumbai International Airport could serve as a model for other metropolitan regions in India, paving the way for the integration of water-based transportation solutions in urban mobility planning.
Also Read: https://urbanacres.in/indian-aviation-sees-robust-growth-with-14-5-million-passengers/
Navi Mumbai Airport to Launch Water Taxi Service
Visited 14 times, 1 visit(s) today
