Nerul Water Terminal to Begin Operations in a Month
Navi Mumbai: The much-anticipated Nerul Passenger Water Terminal (NPWT) is finally on the brink of opening after almost three years of delays. Built by CIDCO at a cost of over INR 150 crore, the terminal has faced multiple setbacks, but it is now expected to begin operations within the next month.
The terminal was officially inaugurated by then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in May last year, but it has been inoperative until now. CIDCO has finalised Drishti Life Line Private Ltd as the operator for the jetty, with the company preparing for trial runs. Drishti has already acquired a boat, and route clearances from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) are in their final stages. Water transport in Navi Mumbai has long been a demand, as the city has seen significant progress in road, rail, and metro connectivity, yet water transport has remained underdeveloped. The opening of the NPWT promises to change this scenario, offering both passenger and freight services.
The terminal is strategically located north of Palm Beach Road, west of the Nerul-Uran railway line, and east of the NRI Complex, making it easily accessible for passengers. Services from the terminal will include routes to several key destinations, such as Mandwa in Alibaug, Elephanta Caves, Bhau Cha Dhakka, and the flamingo sanctuary in Thane. Additionally, the terminal will offer mangrove tourism experiences along the coastline of Navi Mumbai and Thane. One of the key features of the service will be a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferry service between Nerul and Mandwa. The service will accommodate up to 50 cars and 60 passengers, with the journey taking about one hour. Initially, only one boat will operate, with timings dependent on tidal conditions. Speedboats will also be available, providing trips to Elephanta in about 30 minutes, with a seating capacity of 25 and space for 10 vehicles. CIDCO is eager to commence operations as soon as possible, and it is hoped that services will be up and running within a month.
