Electric Water Taxis to Connect Gateway of India with Navi Mumbai in Just 40 Minutes

In a major step toward easing Mumbai’s ever-growing traffic woes, the Maharashtra government is set to launch an eco-friendly electric water taxi service that will drastically cut travel time between South Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The proposed service will ferry passengers from the Radio Club Jetty near the iconic Gateway of India to Navi Mumbai in just around 40 minutes, offering a sleek alternative to the typical 60–75-minute car ride via the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. Not only is this initiative expected to reduce travel time, but it’s also part of a broader strategy to promote green mobility and reduce congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Smooth Sailing Ahead: What to Expect

These electric-powered boats are being developed to offer a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable option for daily commuters and tourists alike. Since the vessels run on electricity, they promise to lower carbon emissions significantly—making them a welcome shift toward environmentally conscious infrastructure.

But that’s just the beginning. This ambitious project isn’t just a standalone service; it’s envisioned as a feeder system to the upcoming Mumbai Water Metro, ensuring smoother inter-modal transport with seamless links to buses, local trains, and metro lines throughout the city.

Planning in Motion

A key meeting held recently at the Maharashtra Ports Department saw significant momentum build for the water taxi project. Chaired by State Ports and Transport Minister Nitesh Rane, the session brought together senior stakeholders including Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Sethi, Brijesh Singhal from the Navi Mumbai Airport Authority, and Pradeep Badiye of the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

During the session, Minister Rane issued directives to:

Kick off detailed planning for the water taxi routes and service model

Prepare and submit proposals for new jetties at strategic locations

Coordinate with the Airport Authority of India to secure necessary approvals

Rane emphasized that the construction of water taxi terminals would be undertaken in phases, depending on local demand and logistical feasibility. “This is not just about cutting travel time—it’s about integrating smart, green transportation into the daily life of Mumbaikars,” he said.

Legal Clearance Opens the Floodgates

One of the project’s key enablers came recently when the Supreme Court dismissed a petition that had previously challenged the construction of a passenger terminal and jetty near the Gateway of India and Radio Club in Colaba. With this legal green light, the Maharashtra Maritime Board can now move forward with terminal development without obstruction.

The infrastructure plan involves constructing terminals in phases, starting with the Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai points. The Maharashtra Maritime Board will take the lead on building the necessary port infrastructure near the airport, ensuring it’s fully equipped for electric vessel operations.

As part of a broader push to make the Navi Mumbai International Airport more accessible through multimodal connectivity, the water taxi network will also complement existing and upcoming transport systems, including metro corridors and surface transit.

This pioneering electric water taxi project is shaping up to be more than just a transportation upgrade—it’s a shift toward cleaner, faster, and smarter urban mobility. If implemented effectively, it could become a blueprint for other coastal cities looking to tackle urban congestion without harming the environment.