Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday (17 February) virtually flagged off the Water Taxi service for citizens of Mumbai from Belapur Jetty.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Udhav Thackeray presided over the on-ground function where he inaugurated the newly constructed Belapur Jetty.

A long time aspiration of the people of coastal Maharasthra, the Water Taxi service will connect the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for the first time, the Ministry of Shipping said in a release.

The Water Taxi services will commence from the Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) and will also connect nearby locations at Nerul, Belapur, Elephanta island and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

Accroding to the ministry statement, the service promises a comfortable, stress-free journey, and is time-saving and promotes eco-friendly transport.

The Water Taxi services are going to give huge impetus to the tourism sector, especially travel to the historic Elephanta caves from Navi Mumbai, the ministry said.

Visitors will be able to travel easily from Navi Mumbai to Gateway of India, it added.

Meanwhile, 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 movement of vessels to locations like Bhaucha Dhakka, Mandwa, Elephanta and Karanja.

Addressing the physical event via video conferencing, Sonowal lauded the Mumbai Maritime Board and central and state agencies for completion of the projects which brings huge benefits to the citizens, boosts tourism and opens avenues for employment generation.

“Sagarmala Programme has undertaken a range of projects across an array of categories such as port modernization, rail, road, cruise tourism, RORO & passenger jetties, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, skill development. 131 projects worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore has been identified for implementation in Maharashtra,” Sonowal said.

He added, “Out of 131, 46 projects worth Rs 2,078 crore being financially supported under Sagarmala scheme of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways".

"Maharashtra coast has huge potential for urban water transportation which can become an alternate mode of transportation. ROPAX movement between Mumbai Ferry Wharf and Mandwa has resulted in a positive impact with a reduction in travel time for passengers, quick and agile loading and unloading process of vehicles. More than 32 projects were undertaken in four clusters - Palghar, Mumbai & Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg," he said.

“For upliftment of the fishing community, four fishing harbour projects have been sanctioned for funding under Sagarmala. Stage II expansion of Mirkawada Fishing Harbour in Ratnagiri District have been completed, modernization of Sassoon Dock and development of Karanja in Raigad and Anandwadi in Sindhudurg district are under implementation. Further, proposal for modernization of Mallet Bunder in Mumbai is under active consideration.” the minister said.