Last update:November 18, 2024, 4:51 p.m. IST

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the upcoming water taxi service will allow passengers to reach Navi Mumbai International Airport from Mumbai in just 17 minutes.

Nitin Gadkari said the proposed water taxi service, once operational, would enable passengers to travel from any location in Mumbai to Navi Mumbai International Airport in just 17 minutes. (Representative/AP File)

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the proposed water taxi service would reduce travel time, enabling people to reach the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport from any location in Mumbai in 17 minutes.

Speaking at an election rally in Maharashtra’s Thane on Sunday, Gadkari outlined the plans being implemented by the government to transform connectivity in Mumbai and Thane and reduce traffic congestion.

Voting for the legislative elections will take place in the state on November 20. Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to start operating in March 2025.

Gadkari said the proposed water taxi service, once operational, would enable passengers to travel from any location in Mumbai to the Navi Mumbai International Airport in “just 17 minutes”.

The Union minister added that a jetty has already been constructed near the airport to facilitate this service.

“By using the vast sea routes around Mumbai and Thane, we can reduce traffic jams and air pollution to a large extent,” he said.

Speaking about traffic related issues in Mumbai and Pune, Gadkari said once the New Delhi-Mumbai Expressway becomes fully operational, the route of external traffic will change, thereby reducing congestion in the metropolitan areas.

What is the water taxi?

A water taxi is a boat that provides public or private transportation services, usually in urban areas. Water taxis operate in many countries, including France, Trinidad, New Zealand and America. In India, Kerala introduced the first water taxi service in 2020.