“Water Taxis Start Sept 22: Gateway to Navi Mumbai Faster”

A New Era of Efficient, Eco-Friendly Commute

Mumbai’s commute gets a nautical upgrade. Beginning September 22, 2025, the Maharashtra government will launch an electric and hybrid water taxi service between the iconic Gateway of India/Mumbai Ferry Wharf and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Navi Mumbai. This marks a significant leap in mobility—offering a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable alternative to traditional wooden boats.

Why This Matters: Speed, Comfort, and Sustainability

Shaving Off the Commute

Current wooden boats take over an hour to traverse this route and cost around ₹100 per passenger. The new electric vessels will cut that journey time to under 40 minutes, dramatically enhancing efficiency.

Cleaner, Smoother Ride

Built from fiberglass with sleek European-inspired designs, these water taxis promise enhanced stability and commuter comfort. Both vessels—one hybrid (solar + electric battery + diesel backup) and one fully electric—can recharge in under an hour.

Rolling Out in Phases

Phase 1: Two Vessels

• Hybrid taxi: powered by solar, battery, with diesel backup
• Fully electric taxi: zero-emission
  Managed by Bharat Freight Group (BFG), these vessels will directly serve the JNPA route.

Phase 2: Hydrogen-Powered Expansion

Once the infrastructure is in place, four hydrogen-powered boats will join the fleet—continuing the push for cleaner, alternative energy-based transit.

Beyond the Launch

BFG envisions expanding routes well beyond JNPA to destinations like Elephanta Caves, Belapur, Alibaug, and other harbor tourism areas—complementing Mumbai’s fast-evolving water transport ecosystem.

Context: Why Now?

Pressing Traffic and Congestion Challenges

Mumbai’s overburdened roads are notorious for traffic snarls. The water taxi system offers a compelling multimodal solution, easing congestion and saving time.

Broader Vision for Water Transport

Earlier attempts like hovercraft services (1994–1999) between Gateway of India and CBD Belapur were discontinued due to infrastructure hurdles. The current initiative, backed by CIDCO and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, is better poised—with modern infrastructure, eco-friendly vessels, and strategic planning.

What It Means for Commuters and Travelers

Efficiency Gains

• This new service cuts the travel time by more than half, saving 20–30 reliable minutes compared to road travel.
• It also avoids unpredictable traffic on routes like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).

Enhanced Comfort

• Smoother vessels, climate control, and European styling raise the travel experience.
• Quick charge times (<1 hour) mean frequent and reliable service.

Environmentally Sound

• Fully electric and hybrid boats lower local carbon emissions.
• Hydrogen-powered boats in Phase 2 promise even cleaner transit.

Connectivity and Integration

• Planned integration with Mumbai Water Metro can knit together intra-city and MMR connectivity seamlessly.

Tourism and Economy

• Faster water transport could boost tourism to locations like Elephanta and Alibaug.
• Supports offloading road traffic and fuel consumption—while reinforcing Mumbai’s role as a modern urban hub.

Take One Step Further: Staging the Future of Mobility

Strategic Advantages

• The service dovetails with the state’s broader transit strategy, complementing road, rail, metro, and upcoming air connectivity.
• Phase 2’s hydrogen boats could position Mumbai as a pioneer in coastal transit-tech in India.

Potential Hurdles

• Seasonal monsoons and harsh sea conditions may affect schedules.
• Infrastructure at both jetties must be robust to handle surge loads.
• Hydrogen operations require specific safety standards and certifications.

Looking Ahead

Future iterations could integrate app-based booking, dynamic pricing models, and live vessel tracking—addressing both commuter convenience and operational efficiency.

In Retrospect: A Nautical Renaissance

The water taxi launch on September 22, 2025, symbolizes Mumbai’s transformative step: from roads choked with traffic to smart, sustainable waterways. These vessels offer commuters not just speed, but style, comfort, and green credentials—representing an era where water isn’t just part of the scenery, but a key commuter route.

The phased expansion—including eco-friendlier hydrogen boats—and the ambition to interlink with tourism and mass transit systems shows this is no mere novelty—but a long-term vision for Mumbai’s mobility landscape.

Timeline at a Glance