Mumbai: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced plans to introduce 10,000 water taxis to connect Mumbai’s distant suburbs to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Speaking at the ICERP 2025 exhibition, Gadkari stated that the proposal has already been discussed with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The initiative aims to provide faster and more convenient transportation options, enabling passengers from suburbs like Virar along the Arabian Sea and Kalyan-Dombivli along Thane Creek to reach the new airport in just 70 minutes. The new airport is expected to begin passenger flights by April next year, and connectivity improvements are being prioritized to facilitate smooth travel for passengers.
Gadkari highlighted the potential for using fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) to construct these water taxis, emphasizing its relevance in the shipping industry. He encouraged manufacturers to work on reducing the cost of FRP material to make the project more viable.
In addition to the water taxis, plans are underway to integrate the new airport with metro rail services, further enhancing passenger movement. The initiative aims to address Mumbai’s connectivity challenges and provide efficient transportation solutions for the city’s residents and visitors.
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