Mumbai’s First Electric Water Taxis Set to Launch on September 22 — Faster, Greener Travel Between Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai
Mumbai's First Electric Water Taxis Set to Launch on September 22 — Faster, Greener Travel Between Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai
Come September 22, daily commutes between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are about to get a major upgrade. The Maharashtra government is finally rolling out its much-anticipated water taxi service — a project that’s been in the works for quite some time. These aren’t your typical wooden boats either. This new fleet features electric and hybrid vessels that promise not only speed but also a more comfortable and eco-friendly ride.
The service will initially connect the Gateway of India and Mumbai Ferry Wharf with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Navi Mumbai. What currently takes over an hour on traditional wooden ferries — at a cost of around ₹100 per passenger — will now be slashed to just under 40 minutes. That means less time spent in traffic and more time actually getting things done.
At the heart of this transformation is Bharat Freight Group (BFG), which will be handling the operations. According to Sohel Kazani, owner of BFG, two boats will be introduced in the first phase. One will be a hybrid, powered by solar energy, an electric battery, and backed up by diesel. The other will run fully on electric power. Both vessels boast a quick charging time of under an hour, making them both efficient and reliable.
But that’s just the beginning. In the next phase, BFG plans to add four more boats — this time powered by hydrogen — once the necessary generators are installed. These new vessels are made from lightweight fiberglass and are built to European standards, offering enhanced stability and greater commuter comfort.
Beyond just Navi Mumbai, the long-term vision for this project is even bigger. There are plans to expand routes to connect South Mumbai with tourist destinations like Elephanta Caves, Belapur, and Alibaug, as well as other parts of the Mumbai harbour. Minister Nitesh Rane also revealed that the water taxis will eventually be integrated with the upcoming Mumbai Water Metro network, further enhancing connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
