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Maharashtra Govt to Launch 10 New Waterways in MMR – 4 to Directly Connect Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Ajjay Bhagyakar
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar Source: Free Press Journal
Mumbai’s New Wave of Connectivity
After decades of stalled attempts and abandoned ferry routes, the Maharashtra government is ready to give Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) a major transport upgrade—10 brand new waterways, including 4 that will directly connect to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
This is not just about reducing traffic—it’s about creating a modern, sustainable alternative that could change how Mumbaikars travel.
Why This Matters for Mumbai
Traffic Relief: Road and rail congestion is at breaking point—waterways will ease the load.
Direct Airport Access: For the first time, travelers can sail straight to the airport.
Eco-Friendly Travel: Lower emissions compared to road transport.
Faster Journeys: Skip endless traffic jams—reach hubs in record time.
Kochi Water Metro as the Blueprint
The state has roped in Kochi Water Metro, India’s first integrated water transport system, to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The DPR covers:
Passenger demand surveys
Jetty location impact studies
Household & preference analysis
Travel demand modeling
Terminal designs & facilities
The 10 Proposed Routes (Highlights)
NMIA – Belapur – Vashi
Vasai – Nariman Point (via Merave)
Belapur – Gateway of India – Mandwa
Virar, Kalyan, Borivali & Elephanta routes
In total: 10 new routes, 29 terminals, 75 eco-friendly ferries.
The Big Picture
Project Cost: Estimated ₹2,500 crore
Timeline: Infrastructure ready in 28 months (if approvals move fast)
Capacity:
2.44 lakh daily passengers by 2031
3.42 lakh daily passengers by 2041
This means Mumbai could finally match global waterfront cities like Sydney, Istanbul, and San Francisco, where ferries are a daily mode of commute.
Real Estate & Development Angle
For areas like Belapur, Vashi, Mandwa, and Ulwe (near NMIA), this is a game-changer. Waterways will:
Boost property demand near jetties
Increase commercial potential for waterfront hubs
Add premium value to residential zones with faster connectivity
For Navi Mumbai, this is yet another push towards becoming Mumbai’s true twin city.
Mumbai has waited decades for reliable water transport. If this ambitious plan sails through, the city will witness not just faster travel, but a transformational shift in lifestyle, real estate, and economic activity.
From road, to metro, to sea—Mumbai’s future is all about multimodal connectivity.
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