Nitin Gadkari Unveils Plan for 10,000 Water Taxis to Boost Connectivity to Navi Mumbai Airport

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced an ambitious plan to launch 10,000 water taxis, enhancing connectivity between Mumbai’s distant suburbs and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Speaking at the ICERP 2025 exhibition, Gadkari revealed that discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have already taken place to bring the project to fruition.
The initiative aims to provide a faster and more convenient transit option, reducing travel time to just 70 minutes from suburbs like Virar along the Arabian Sea and Kalyan-Dombivli via Thane Creek. The airport is scheduled to commence passenger operations by April next year, and connectivity enhancements are being prioritized to ensure seamless travel for commuters.
Gadkari also highlighted the potential of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) for constructing water taxis, noting its significance in the shipping industry. He urged manufacturers to explore cost-effective solutions for FRP production to make the project more feasible.
In addition to water taxis, plans are underway to integrate metro rail services with the new airport, further streamlining transportation. This initiative seeks to address Mumbai’s connectivity challenges while offering efficient travel options for residents and visitors.