Electric water taxi service that promises to cut travel time between South Mumbai and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport to just 40 minutes.
The ambitious project, anchored by a Rs 190 crore investment, seeks to redefine the commuter experience along Mumbai’s eastern waterfront, offering a sustainable alternative to road travel and significantly easing traffic congestion. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has spearheaded this pioneering initiative, which involves the construction of a new marina connecting the Gateway of India to the Radio Club in South Mumbai. This infrastructure will serve as a key node for the new electric water taxi fleet, designed to enhance connectivity not only to Navi Mumbai Airport but also to other strategic points including the Elephanta Caves and Alibaug.
This service will deploy fifteen state-of-the-art electric boats, each crafted by Swedish company Candela, renowned globally for its hydrofoil technology. Unlike conventional ferries, these boats use computer-controlled underwater hydrofoils that lift their hulls above water, dramatically reducing drag and energy consumption. This innovation allows the vessels to operate quietly and at speeds ranging between 18 and 30 knots, offering passengers a fast, smooth, and sustainable ride. Initial operations will feature two vessels with a capacity of 30 passengers each, with plans to scale up services following the monsoon season. The electric boats’ hydrofoil design not only ensures a dramatic reduction in fuel consumption but also contributes to cleaner air and quieter waterways, aligning with Mumbai’s growing emphasis on zero-emission public transport options. As the city battles escalating road congestion and pollution levels, this initiative marks a critical step toward creating a greener, more sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
Passenger demand for waterborne travel along Mumbai’s eastern coastlines is already significant, with an estimated 30 to 35 lakh passengers annually commuting via jetties at Gateway of India to destinations like Elephanta and Alibaug. To accommodate the anticipated increase in ridership, the MMB has contracted the construction of new marinas at Gateway of India and Radio Club. These facilities are being designed to handle over 2.5 lakh passengers yearly and will feature modern amenities including parking for 150 vehicles, spacious waiting lounges, advanced luggage handling systems, and e-golf carts for convenient intra-premises mobility. An open-air amphitheatre will also be part of the marina complex, creating a space that integrates commuter utility with community engagement.
This water taxi initiative offers multiple strategic advantages over conventional road routes, particularly the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), which currently connects South Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. The water taxi service will save commuters more than 30 minutes, a significant reduction in travel time that could ease the daily rush for tens of thousands of passengers. Beyond speed, the service also promises a scenic journey showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, and the flamingo-rich Nerul-Belapur creek, enriching the commuter experience. The Maharashtra government has set an ambitious timeline for the project’s completion, targeting full operational status by 2027. Once fully functional, the water taxi service is expected to shift a significant portion of airport-bound commuters from road to water, alleviating pressure on Mumbai’s already overburdened road and rail networks. This modal shift is not only expected to improve overall traffic flow but also contribute to Mumbai’s climate goals by reducing vehicular emissions and fostering greener transport alternatives.
Officials involved in the project have underscored its potential impact on urban sustainability and quality of life. By integrating innovative electric propulsion technology with strategic urban planning, the water taxi service exemplifies how Indian cities can evolve to meet the challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change, and public health concerns. In a city where daily commutes can often stretch into hours due to traffic snarls, this waterborne transit solution offers a refreshing prospect of efficient, clean, and enjoyable travel. It also highlights Mumbai’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public infrastructure through cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design, setting a precedent for other metropolitan areas in India.
As work progresses on the Gateway of India-Radio Club marina and the fleet readies for launch, commuters and environmental advocates alike are watching closely. The water taxi service is poised to become a flagship example of sustainable urban mobility, blending convenience, innovation, and ecological responsibility for a rapidly evolving Mumbai.
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