Once operational, water taxis will reduce travel time to Navi Mumbai Airport: Gadkari

“The proposed water taxi services, once operational, would enable commuters to reach the Navi Mumbai International Airport from any part of Mumbai “in just 17 minutes,” the Union minister said. File | Photo credit: PTI

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the proposed water taxi services would enable people to reach the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport from anywhere in Mumbai within 17 minutes, effectively reducing travel time.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister was addressing an election rally in Maharashtra’s Thane city on Sunday evening, where he spoke about the government’s plans to transform connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in Mumbai and Thane .

The state Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to begin operations in March 2025.

Mr Gadkari said the proposed water taxi services, once operational, would enable commuters to reach the Navi Mumbai International Airport from any part of Mumbai “in just 17 minutes”.

The minister said jetties have already been built near the airport to support this initiative.

“By leveraging the vast sea routes around Mumbai and Thane, we can significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution,” he said.

Mr. Gadkari also highlighted the potential of introducing amphibious seaplanes capable of landing on small water bodies, including Thane lakes, thereby eliminating the need for conventional airstrips.

The government is actively seeking investors to develop and implement this project, he added.

Addressing traffic issues in Mumbai and Pune, Mr. Gadkari spoke about the New Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which is expected to divert traffic from distant stations and reduce traffic jams in the metropolitan areas once fully operational.

He also proposed solutions to manage the movement of goods vehicles in urban regions and discussed plans for a revolutionary intercity electric bus service.

“The 18 meter long buses will have a capacity of 135 people and will provide a high-end flight-like experience,” the minister said.

“These buses could travel 40 km on a 30-second charge, symbolizing a significant transition to renewable energy in the transport sector,” he said.