Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off water taxi service, linking Navi Mumbai to south Mumbai. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the Belapur jetty in the neighbouring township.

In October 2020, Kerala launched water taxi service in the backwaters of Alappuzha.

Mumbai-Navi Mumbai water taxi

• The water taxi service will connect the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for the first time. 

• The services will commence from the Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) and will also connect nearby locations at Nerul, Belapur, Elephanta island and JNPT. 

• It will help in saving time and promote eco-friendly transport.

• It is going to give a 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 Gateway of India.

• 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.

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