Mumbai: From New Year, you can travel from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai in just 15 minutes. The much-awaited water taxi, which will cut long drives between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai by 75%, is all set to start from the first week of January. It is noteworthy that this water way was supposed to start in March 2021, but got delayed due to Corona and other reasons.
According to official sources, PM Modi will inaugurate the water taxi service. During this, PM will also inaugurate a chemical terminal at Mumbai Port Trust.
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Who will operate the water taxis?
Mumbai Port Trust, Maharashtra Maritime Board and CIDCO have joined hands for this project. The license to operate the service has been assigned to two private companies – Infinity Harbor Services LLP and West Coast Marine.
this will be the route
Water taxis will operate from the Domestic Cruise Terminal at Mazagon to the Elephanta Caves at Belapur, Nerul, Vashi, Airoli, Rewas (near Alibag), JNPT, Karanjade and International Cruise Terminal at Mazagon.
Water taxi from 12 to 50 seater
Infinity Harbor Services has a fleet of four ships. There are 50-seater, 40-seater, 32-seater and one 14-seater water taxi, while West Coast Marine has two 12-seaters and one 20-seater ship. According to Sohail Kazani of Infinity Harbor Services, water taxis will operate between 8 am to 8 pm on all days of the week even during monsoon. Initially thrice a day in the morning and evening and afternoon. If demand is high, will operate every 30 minutes.
JNPT in 15 minutes
The water taxi travels from Mumbai to Elephanta and JNPT in 15 minutes and from Mumbai to Belapur, Nerul, Vashi and Rewas in about 25-30 minutes.
relatively expensive rent
Offering a time-saving luxury travel experience, the Mumbai to Navi Mumbai water taxi fare is expected to be between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200 per passenger, while the JNPT and Elephanta fares are likely to be Rs 750. Fares are quite high, but these rates will come down as the number of passengers increases. Tickets for water taxis run by cooperatives are likely to be Rs 350. However they will take more time (about an hour) to cover the distance.