Maharashtra Maritime Board Directed to Prepare DPR for Water Transport Facilities in Mumbai Region

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has been tasked with creating a detailed project report (DPR) for water transport facilities in Mumbai and its surrounding areas. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik shared this information during a media interaction. He highlighted that while water taxi services are common in Europe, America, and the Gulf, Mumbai has yet to fully utilise its coastal potential.

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Water transport options like water taxis, water metro, roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro), and ferry services are being considered. Ro-ro vessels are particularly useful as they have ramps to easily load and unload vehicles and other wheeled cargo. Sarnaik pointed out that Mumbai, along with Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts, is surrounded by extensive coastlines and waterways.

Focus on Water Transport Development

Sarnaik emphasised the need for water transport to be prioritised alongside other commuting modes like ropeways, metros, and monorails. He mentioned that globally, cities give equal importance to water transport. The maritime board chairman has been instructed to present the DPR within two months.

Officials from various departments attended the meeting where these plans were discussed. The urban development department secretary Asim Gupta, along with representatives from MMB, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and the transport department were present.

Public-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Plans

Sarnaik suggested that ro-ro services should be developed extensively through public-private partnerships. Additionally, MMRDA has been asked to prepare a DPR for ropeways in Mumbai. Plans also include underground parking facilities at metro, railway, and bus stations that will feature shopping and fuelling amenities.

The urban development department has committed to funding surveys for ropeways and underground parking in the Mumbai region. These initiatives aim to improve urban infrastructure and ease congestion in the city.

Pod Taxi Service Initiative

A survey is underway for a proposed pod taxi service between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Kurla. This service is expected to be operational by 2028-29 on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis. Pod taxis are automated vehicles designed to carry a set number of passengers between specific points.

The project aims to connect Kurla with BKC, enhancing connectivity in this business district. The survey is anticipated to conclude by October, providing insights into the feasibility of this innovative transport solution.

These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach towards enhancing Mumbai's transport infrastructure by leveraging its coastal geography and modern technology solutions.