The Maharashtra government is set to introduce 10 new waterways in the Mumbai metropolitan region, including four routes connecting Navi Mumbai International Airport. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and boost revenue from coastal shipping.
Over the past 30 years, several waterways in Mumbai and its surrounding areas were closed due to low passenger numbers and high fares. Officials said the new waterways will provide better connectivity and offer an alternative mode of transport for residents and travelers.
The Kochi Water Metro, which manages waterways in the Kochi region, will prepare a detailed project report for the 10 planned routes. The consulting firm will carry out several studies, including surveys of passengers boarding and alighting, impact assessments near proposed jetties, passenger usage surveys, household and preference surveys, travel demand analysis, terminal facility planning, and conceptual design of the terminals.
Currently, 21 waterways operate within the Mumbai metropolitan area. These services mainly cater to local residents living near the jetties. In 1992-93, Damani Shipping Company attempted hovercraft services between Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai, extending to Juhu and Girgaum Chowpatty. However, these services were shut down due to high fares.
In the following decades, multiple tenders were issued for water transport services, but most of these services did not commence. In 2003, Satyagiri Shipping was awarded a contract by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to start services along the city’s west coast.
In 2010, Pratibha Industries received a contract to launch services from Nariman Point to Borivali. A bid was also announced in 2015 for ferry services connecting Belapur and Nerul. None of these services began, and all contracts were eventually terminated.
The government hopes that the new waterways will provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transport, reduce road traffic, and support economic growth in the Mumbai metropolitan region.
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