The proposed Mumbai Water Metro project will be launched in a phased manner from December to ease the increasing traffic pressure in Mumbai and its surrounding areas. Maharashtra Port Minister Nitish Rane gave this information on Monday. Rane said that the detailed project report (DPR) being prepared for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will be submitted by February 28. After this, the feasibility of the routes will be discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and work will start on the two selected routes in the first phase.
Network of 6 to 8 routes, electric boats
Under this project costing about Rs 1,200 crore, six to eight routes have been identified in MMR. These routes will be connected to a network of battery-powered electric boats, so that an environment-friendly and fast water transport system can be developed. Rane said that it will be started from Mumbai city and later it will be expanded to the entire MMR region.
Major routes and airport within 40 minutes
The proposed services within the city will mainly focus on the Nariman Point–Worli–Bandra–Juhu–Versova corridor. Two routes will be started in the first phase. After the completion of Radio Club Jetty near the Gateway of India in South Mumbai, it will take about 40 minutes to reach Navi Mumbai International Airport via water metro, which will provide great convenience to the passengers.
Scheme based on Kochi Model
The project is inspired by the Kochi Water Metro model. The state government can make a formal announcement in the budget to be presented on March 6. The operation of Mumbai Water Metro will not only reduce road traffic pressure, but will also provide the city with a modern, sustainable and smart transportation option.
What is water metro?
There is a modern and eco-friendly water transport system, connecting different parts of the city through battery-powered or electric ferries/boats. Its main goal is to reduce road traffic congestion, provide fast, convenient and environment-friendly travel options. This system is proving to be an effective solution to traffic jams, pollution and time saving in urban areas. The most successful example of this in India is the Kochi Water Metro, which is running in Kerala and is considered a role model of urban water transport.
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