Water Metro Service Set to Revolutionize Urban Commuting with Eco-Friendly Ferries

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The Maharashtra government is set to launch a water metro service in the state. Work is progressing rapidly to start the water metro service in Mumbai, similar to Kochi’s model. A request has been made to prepare a detailed project report based on the Kochi water metro.

This announcement was made by Maharashtra’s Port Minister, Nitesh Rane. He mentioned that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) would be established to implement this project, with both the state and central governments equally investing in it. The minister said that Mumbai is made up of seven islands, but its waterways have not been utilized adequately. The water metro service will ease the pressure on roads and suburban rail networks. He further added that, under this plan, battery-operated ferry services will connect several parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making travel not only environmentally friendly but also better and faster.

Sharing details, Rane mentioned several potential routes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Naranja-Kharvadevari, Vasai-Mira Bhayander, Fountain Jetty-Gaimukh-Nagle, Kolset-Kalher-Mumbra-Kalyan, and Vashi-Domestic Cruise Terminal (Bhaucha Dhakka). He stated that in the first phase of the water metro, stations will be set up at 21 locations covering the Vaitarna River, Vasai, Thane, Manori, and Panvel's creeks, as well as the Mumbai Port Trust's water areas.

In the second phase, a 'Ro-Ro' service will be launched, enabling multi-modal integration. The minister emphasized that the project would improve connectivity and also enhance road infrastructure. He also suggested developing Vasai Fort as a major tourist spot and creating a tourism circuit that connects nearby forts, bird sanctuaries, religious sites, and water theme parks. Rane stressed the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance of water areas to maintain environmental balance and promote tourism.