In a major boost to India’s airport connectivity infrastructure, a water taxi planned for Navi Mumbai airport is set to make waves—literally. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently confirmed that Navi Mumbai International Airport will become the first airport in India to offer dedicated water taxi services as part of a broader multi-modal transport network.
This initiative is expected to transform the way passengers travel to the new airport, reducing traffic congestion and cutting travel time from distant suburbs to just over an hour.
Water Taxi Planned for Navi Mumbai Airport
The water taxi planned for Navi Mumbai airport is part of a futuristic vision to integrate air, road, rail, metro, and now even waterways into one seamless transport system. As the new airport prepares to open soon, this facility will make it far more accessible for millions of travelers from across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Jetties near the airport have already been constructed to support this service, with the goal of offering passengers an easy switch between water taxis and other modes of transport like the metro or suburban trains.
10,000 Water Taxis on the Horizon
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed an ambitious plan to deploy up to 10,000 water taxis. These will connect Mumbai’s far-off suburbs like Vasai-Virar and Kalyan-Dombivli directly to the airport via sea routes. Currently, getting from these areas to Navi Mumbai involves a long and often traffic-heavy road journey. But with this plan, the commute could be trimmed down to about 70 minutes.
This would be a massive relief to frequent travelers, especially during peak hours when road congestion in Mumbai can be overwhelming.
Eco-Friendly and Efficient Travel
The water taxis are to be built using fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), a material that is known for being lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly. These taxis will not only save time but also reduce the pressure on road infrastructure, helping cut down pollution and fuel consumption.
This shift toward sustainable and smart transportation is part of the broader strategy to future-proof Navi Mumbai International Airport and make it a model for other upcoming airports in the country.
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Smooth Integration with Other Transport Modes
Another key highlight of the water taxi planned for Navi Mumbai airport is how well it fits into the city’s overall transit network. Passengers arriving at the airport will be able to easily switch between water taxis, metro lines, suburban trains, and buses. It’s all designed to create a fluid, hassle-free travel experience.
The first phase of the airport is expected to serve 20 million passengers annually, and this seamless transport ecosystem will play a crucial role in supporting that traffic smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The water taxi planned for Navi Mumbai airport is more than just a unique feature—it’s a bold step toward reimagining urban mobility in one of India’s busiest regions. With faster commutes, sustainable design, and multi-modal integration, this service promises to change the way Mumbaikars and visitors access the city’s newest airport.
As the airport nears its launch date, the introduction of water taxis is a sign that the future of travel in Mumbai is not just about flying—it’s also about sailing.
