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The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is planning to introduce 10 new water transport routes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including four connecting the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Kochi Water Metro has been appointed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new routes. The study will include passenger surveys, travel demand analysis, and terminal planning. The new routes aim to improve commuting, reduce road congestion, and enhance water-based transport options. The DPR will also support upgrades on 21 existing MMR ferry routes.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board has initiated plans to commission 10 new water transport routes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with four of these routes linking to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The initiative is intended to provide efficient water commuting options, reduce traffic on city roads, and improve connectivity along the coastal areas. Kochi Water Metro has been appointed to prepare the Detailed Project Report for these routes. Advertisement
The consultant will study boarding and alighting patterns around proposed jetties, conduct occupancy and household preference surveys, analyze travel demand, and plan terminal facilities, including concept designs for new terminals. The DPR will also help in upgrading services on the 21 existing MMR water transport routes, which have been serving local populations for decades.
Officials noted that previous attempts to introduce water transport in Mumbai have often failed due to high fares and low ridership. In 1992-93, Damani Shipping operated hovercraft services between Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai, as well as Juhu Beach to Girgaum Chowpatty, but both routes were discontinued. Subsequent tenders in 2003, 2010, and 2015 for ferry services along the western coast and between key suburbs were also scrapped as no operations commenced.
Recently, a Ro-Pax ferry service launched in March 2020 between New Ferry Wharf and Mandwa continues to operate successfully. Other services, including ferries from Gateway of India to Belapur, were suspended after a few months due to low ridership and challenges with last-mile connectivity.
Officials from MMB emphasized that the new DPR aims to create an integrated and commuter-friendly water transport system, taking inspiration from cities such as Sydney, New York, San Francisco, Bangkok, and Istanbul. The infrastructure improvements are expected to make water transport a more reliable alternative for daily commuters in the MMR.
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