Mumbai's water taxi services to connect suburbs to Navi Mumbai's international airport in 17-70 minutes?

In a bid to tackle Mumbai's persistent traffic congestion, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed the introduction of 10,000 water taxis that will connect the city’s distant suburbs to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport in just 70 minutes, offering Mumbaikars a much-needed escape from their daily commute struggles.

Speaking at the ICERP 2025 exhibition in Mumbai on Tuesday, Gadkari shared that he had already discussed this innovative plan with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He highlighted that the water taxis could transport passengers from suburban areas like Virar, situated along the Arabian Sea to the north of Mumbai, and Kalyan-Dombivli in the northeast, along the Thane Creek, to the new airport in under 70 minutes.

"Taking from all side of Mumbai, from Vasai-Virar to Kalyan-Dombivali, it (water taxis) can connect to new airport in 70 minutes. Already I have discussed the proposal with the CM. We need 10,000 water taxis in Mumbai," he said.

Mumbaikar's commute to airport made easier

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to begin passenger operations in April 2025, and the introduction of water taxis will complement ongoing efforts to improve connectivity. This will not only offer passengers a quicker route to the airport but also help alleviate pressure on the already congested roads in Mumbai.

The proposed water taxis will be built using fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), a durable and lightweight material, making them both efficient and cost-effective. Gadkari also encouraged the industry to work on reducing the material’s cost, which would help keep the overall project feasible. The use of FRP for the water taxis is a modern approach that has gained traction in the shipping industry and will add to the sustainability factor of the service.

'Reach Navi Mumbai airport in just 17 mins'

Earlier, in November 2024, Gadkari had mentioned that water taxis could reduce travel time to the Navi Mumbai airport to just 17 minutes, making the new airport more accessible from across the city. 

With jetties already in place near the airport, this service is poised to take full advantage of Mumbai’s extensive sea routes, reducing congestion on land while offering a greener travel alternative.

This water taxi service is part of a broader strategy to tackle Mumbai’s traffic congestion, with the government also exploring other eco-friendly initiatives like amphibious sea planes and electric inter-city buses. The buses, which will seat 135 people and run on renewable energy, are expected to offer a premium, flight-like experience, further enhancing the city’s transport network.

By following in the footsteps of successful water taxi services in cities like Paris and New York, Mumbai aims to create a modern, sustainable transport system that will not only help commuters but also contribute to cleaner air and less road congestion.