After local trains, the metro and the monorail, Mumbai residents may soon have another mode of transport to rely on. Authorities are preparing to introduce an e-speed boat service connecting Mumbai with
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), a move expected to significantly cut travel time for commuters.
The much-anticipated service, however, will take a little longer to begin. According to JNPA’s water transport controller, Captain Balasaheb Pawar, the electric speed boats will undergo trials for about another week before the service is opened to passengers.
The project, which was inaugurated earlier by Union ministers, has yet to become operational as several safety and performance checks remain pending. Officials said a demonstration of the boats is expected to take place later this month, after which the service could be launched.
During the trials, authorities will assess the vessels’ speed, passenger capacity and overall technical performance to ensure smooth and safe operations before regular services begin.
The new water transport service is expected to particularly benefit employees who commute daily to the JNPA port. At present, many of them depend on traditional wooden boats for the journey, an option that is both time-consuming and expensive for regular travel.
Officials believe the electric speed boat service could provide a faster, more efficient and more affordable alternative, easing the daily commute between Mumbai and the port area once operations begin.
