Mumbai: A long time aspiration of the people of coastal Maharasthra, the Water Taxi service, was flagged off today and will connect the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for the first time.
The Water Taxi services will commence from the Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) and will also connect nearby locations at Nerul, Belapur, Elephanta island and JNPT. The service promises a comfortable, stress-free journey, is time-saving and promotes eco-friendly transport.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off the Water Taxi for citizens of Mumbai, from Belapur Jetty. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Udhav Thackeray presided over the on-ground function where he inaugurated the newly constructed Belapur Jetty.
The newly constructed Belapur jetty, built at a cost of Rs. 8.37 crore was funded in the 50-50 model under the Sagarmala scheme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The new jetty will enable the movement of vessels to locations like Bhaucha Dhakka, Mandwa, Elephanta and Karanja. The Minister said 131 projects worth Rs. 1.05 lakh crore had been identified for implementation in Maharashtra under the Sagarmala Programme. He further informed that for the upliftment of the fishing community, four fishing harbour projects were sanctioned for funding under Sagarmala. Stage II expansion of Mirkawada Fishing Harbour in Ratnagiri District were completed, modernization of Sassoon Dock and development of Karanja in Raigad and Anandwadi in Sindhudurg district were under implementation. Moreover, a proposal for the modernization of Mallet Bunder in Mumbai was under active consideration.
The Water Taxi services are expected to give huge impetus to the tourism sector, especially travel to the historic Elephanta caves from Navi Mumbai. Visitors will be able to travel easily from Navi Mumbai to the Gateway of India.
– global bihari bureau
