Mumbai is all set to revolutionize travel with the new Mumbai Water Taxi Service launching on September 22. Connecting Gateway of India to Navi Mumbai, this eco-friendly and time-saving commute option promises to reduce travel time dramatically while offering comfort and sustainability.
By : AJJAY BHAGYAKAR
Source by : NDTV Travel.
A New Wave of Urban Mobility
Mumbai, a city famed for its relentless traffic and vibrant seaside charm, is poised for a game-changing leap in transportation. The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Bharat Freight Group (BFG), is launching a state-of-the-art electric water taxi
service between the Gateway of India (also known as Mumbai Ferry Wharf) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The service is set to begin operations on September 22, 2025 www.ndtv.comKnocksensehttps://www.oneindia.com/.
What’s Changing — Faster, Cleaner, Smarter
- Slash commute time: Wooden boats currently cover this route in over an hour at ₹100 per passenger. The new electric taxis will complete the journey in under 40 minutes www.ndtv.comLokmat TimesFree Press Journal.
- Eco-conscious design: One of the two initial vessels is fully electric, while the other is a hybrid—powered by solar energy, battery, and backed with diesel. Both are built with fibre-glass and sport a sleek European aesthetic KnocksenseLokmat TimesFree Press Journal.
- Quick turnaround: These vessels can recharge in less than an hour, enabling frequent trips www.ndtv.comLokmat TimesFree Press Journal.
Beyond the First Phase — A Vision for Sustainable Expansion
- Next-gen hydrogen fleet: Once supporting generators are in place, a second phase will introduce four hydrogen-powered boats, elevating green mobility even further www.ndtv.comLokmat Timeshttps://www.oneindia.com/.
- Wider route expansion: BFG plans to connect more destinations such as Elephanta Caves, Belapur, Alibaug, and additional harbour tourism circuits, opening doors to eco-tourism and efficient seaside commuting www.ndtv.comKnocksenseLokmat Timeshttps://www.oneindia.com/.
- Integration with Mumbai Water Metro: Minister Nitesh Rane envisions seamless coordination between water taxis and Mumbai's Water Metro system to drastically reduce traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity www.ndtv.comLokmat Times.
Why This Matters to Mumbaikars
- Time-saving commuter relief: A quicker, stress-free commute means more time for work, family, or leisure.
- Cleaner city waters: Shifting from diesel-powered wooden boats to sustainable electric/hybrid vessels helps reduce air and water pollution.
- Enhanced comfort and safety: The modern design offers stability and comfort unlike traditional boats, making daily travel more enjoyable.
- Tourism boost: Faster access to scenic spots like Elephanta and Alibaug creates more opportunities for leisure and sightseeing.
Industry Buzz & Media Confirmation
Several reputable sources confirm the initiative:
- NDTV Travel reported on August 29, 2025, that Mumbai’s electric water taxi service kicks off September 22, cutting journey times to under 40 minutes www.ndtv.com.
- Knocksense highlighted the hybrid-electric combo and revamped design + expansion plans in their coverage Knocksense.
- OneIndia echoed these details—launch date, vessel types, and phased rollout https://www.oneindia.com/.
- Free Press Journal also detailed the faster, cleaner commute and the two-vessel first phase Free Press Journal.
- Lokmat Times emphasized hydrogen-powered boats in phase two and route extension strategy Lokmat Times.
- Trak.in underlined a 60% commute reduction, bringing further clarity on benefits Trak.in.
A Glimpse Back — India’s Water Taxi Journey
This isn’t Mumbai’s first foray into water-based transport. In February 2022, the city's first water taxi ran between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, trimming the commute from around 90 minutes to 45 minutes. That project set the stage for today’s electric advancement www.ndtv.com.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Launch
| Details | Facts |
| Launch Date | September 22, 2025 |
| Route | Gateway of India / Ferry Wharf ↔ JNPA |
| First Phase Vessels | 1 fully electric + 1 hybrid (solar + battery + diesel backup) |
| Charging Time | Under 1 hour |
| Travel Time | Under 40 minutes (vs. over 1 hour on wooden boats) |
| Cost | Likely similar to existing ₹100 fare |
| Phase 2 | Addition of 4 hydrogen-powered boats |
| Future Routes | Elephanta, Belapur, Alibaug, harbour circuits |
| Integration | With Mumbai Water Metro for seamless commutes |
RJ’s Take — Steering Mumbai Toward a Greener Horizon
From the sun-kissed docks of Colaba to the industrial pulse of JNPA, these electric water taxis signify more than mere transport—they are a statement of Mumbai's future-ready, eco-conscious spirit. Effortlessly combining efficiency with elegance, these vessels promise to change not just how we get around—but how we envision urban mobility.
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