1 week Ago By Nikita Jha
Mumbai Water Metro: Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has announced that Kerala's Kochi Water Metro has been asked to present a detailed project report for a similar service in Mumbai. According to him, the DPR is expected by the end of the month, adding that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be formed to implement the project in the metropolis along with the Union government on a 50:50 equity partnership. "The water metro project will improve urban transportation and boost tourism in the country's financial capital.
Kochi Water Metro is assisting the Maharashtra government. Under it, battery-powered ferries will connect various parts of the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR)," Rane said, as quoted by PTI. Kochi became the first city in India to launch a water metro system with the introduction of its first boat in December 2023, offering residents an eco-friendly alternative and a smoother, more scenic commute.
Read More: Navi Mumbai Airport to Feature India’s First Water Taxis – A Game-Changer for Mumbai’s Traffic Woes? All About RouteThe potential routes in MMR are Narangi-Kharwadeswari, Vasai-Mira Bhayander, Fountain Jetty-Gaimukh-Nagale, Kolset-Kalher- Mumbra-Kalyan, Kalyan-Mumbra-Mulund-Airoli, Vashi-Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) also known as Bhaucha Dhakka, Gateway of India, Mulund-Airoli- DCT-Gateway of India, Mira Bhayander-Vasai-Borivali-Nariman Point-Mandwa, Belapur-Gateway-Mandwa, Borivali-Gorai-Nariman Point, Rane informed. There are 21 proposed locations for stations along the Vaitarna River, Vasai, Thane, Manori and Panvel creeks and Mumbai Port Trust waters. The project's first phase will have a water metro, while the second will have a Ro-Ro (roll on-roll off) service.
Through the water metro, multi-modal integration can be implemented," the state minister said. Project Aims to Improve Last-Mile Connectivity, Says MinisterThe project aims to enhance last-mile connectivity with access road development works. There is no passenger transport system in the proposed route except for Mira Bhayander, Vasai, Borivali, Gorai, DCT, and Mandwa.
The waterway is available at most locations, and the system will be designed to accommodate tidal differences of 3 to 3.5 metres. A tourism circuit may be designed connecting various forts, bird-watching centres, water-based theme parks, religious places, etc.
, he said, adding that water bodies will have to be cleaned regularly. (With PTI inputs) Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mumbai and around the world..
