The inaugural routes, to be served by speed boats, are between the Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) at Ferry Wharf, Mazgaon, and Belapur, via Elephanta Island, and between DCT and JNPT.
The services are expected to cut journey times between south Mumbai and the satellite town by over half.
During the online ceremony, Thackeray suggested that the authorities concerned consider starting water plane services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
He said that whenever projects are launched in Mumbai, they are replicated across the country. He cited the example of the railways, which started its first route in India between Mumbai and Thane in the 19th century.
“The water taxi services have been started with the aim of modernization. Whether it is water taxi or some other mode of transport, its use should be enhanced for overall economic development,” the CM said. “Mumbai is connected to the rest of the world by air. But water transport within MMR is important.”
Belapur MLA Manda Mhatre demanded that the Mumbai Maritime Board reduce the current water taxi fares for locals.
Sonowal said, “A total of 131 projects worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore have been earmarked for Maharashtra. Under the Sagarmala scheme, a financial assistance of Rs 278 crore will be provided for 46 infrastructure projects, which will benefit Mumbai and the coastal districts of Maharashtra.”
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/south-bombay-navi-mumbai-water-taxis-start-cm-seeks-nod-for-marine-planes/articleshow/89655474.cms
