It is obvious that water taxis are one of the best forms of transportation in a city that is surrounded by the sea and creeks. However, city planners and government officials have been talking and planning about this service for decades without effect.
After a union minister launches the service on February 17, Mumbai residents will be able to commute via water taxis. Travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will be slashed by more than half as a result of this project.
Government agencies both at the federal and state levels are finally moving forward on the plan, which was originally conceived more than 30 years ago. Cidco, the Mumbai Port Trust, and the Maharashtra Maritime Board will collaborate on the project.
For the start, three routes have been finalized. The first route connects the domestic cruise terminal at Mazagaon in south Mumbai with Belapur in Navi Mumbai; Two other routes will take commuters to Elephanta Caves and Nhava-Sheva ports from Belapur. It is planned to extend the service to other parts of Navi Mumbai once the new Belapur jetty is open.
The service will be provided by four operators, and speed boats and catamarans will be used for transportation. It will be much more expensive than the suburban rail fares, but it will still be a lot cheaper than taking a cab or driving down.
From south Mumbai to Belapur, commuters will spend less than Rs300 on a catamaran, and a monthly pass can be purchased for Rs12,000 allowing unlimited travel to and from city centers. Catamarans will take 45 minutes, unlike the road trip, which may take up to two hours or more.
