Maharashtra is poised to make transportation history as the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport gears up to become the first in India with integrated water taxi services.
The project, led by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), aims to transform urban mobility with an eco-friendly, multi-modal transport hub that connects air, road, rail, and now, water routes. Strategically situated in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, the airport is expected to enhance connectivity across western Maharashtra—including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. In a recent high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the state announced plans to operationalise eight water taxi routes and 15 supporting jetties in coordination with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) authorities. The proposed water taxi corridors are designed to reduce congestion and travel time across one of India’s most densely populated regions. The routes will include strategic points such as Borivali, Nariman Point, Gateway of India, Belapur, Vasai, and Kalyan. The service is expected to serve both commuters and air travellers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional modes of urban travel.
The integration of waterway transport at the airport is being hailed as a future-forward step in India’s push for greener infrastructure. According to state officials, the facility will be India’s first truly multi-modal aviation hub, offering seamless access to expressways, suburban trains, metro rail, high-speed rail, and water taxis. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, easing urban pressure, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Once operational, the water taxi network will not only shorten travel times but also reduce vehicular emissions, supporting cleaner air and more liveable cities. CIDCO officials confirmed that detailed planning is underway for building the required jetties and terminals to accommodate the new mode of transport. The infrastructure will include waiting lounges, security protocols, and last-mile connectivity to support the passenger flow from water to air. Union Civil Aviation officials recently reviewed progress at the Navi Mumbai airport site. They reiterated the project’s strategic importance and the symbolism it holds for India’s infrastructure vision—bringing together speed (Gati) and power (Shakti) under one roof.
As construction accelerates, all eyes are now on how effectively Maharashtra can deliver on its ambitious vision—one that may set a benchmark for future urban mobility projects across India. The launch of water taxis from an international airport could well mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s green transportation journey.
