Mumbai, May 7 (IANS) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday between the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and the Norway-based marine technology company Hyke AS for the Mumbai Water Metro project.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister of Ports and Shipping Nitesh Rane.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd to implement the Water Metro project for passenger water transport in the MMR. This DPR proposes the upgradation of 24 existing terminals on the current 21 waterways where passenger transport is already operational, as well as the construction of 21 terminals on 10 new waterways to be newly introduced.

The project is modelled after the Kochi Water Metro and will eventually span 340 km across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

According to the government sources, Phase 1 focuses on connecting high-traffic coastal zones and the new airport from Gateway of India to Nariman Point, Radio Club to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Versova – Madh, Borivali/Marve – Esselworld, and Bandra – Worli – Nariman Point and Kalyan – Dombivli – Mumbra – Kolshet and Vasai – Mira Bhayander.

The Water Metro project is being developed on a PPP model with an investment of Rs 6,600 crore for infrastructure and vessels. The phased rollout will start from December this year, and it is expected to handle 7.5 crore passengers by 2031.

The state government is making efforts to establish a sustainable and environment-friendly water transport system to meet the growing transportation needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and CM Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mumbai Water Metro project will usher in a new chapter of modern water transport in the country, said a government statement.

The Mumbai Water Metro project has seen significant momentum this week, with the state government moving to expedite the transition from planning to execution. As of today, the MMB is concluding the bidding window for a crucial Project Management Consultant (PMC) to oversee the development of terminals and navigation infrastructure.

Minister Nitesh Rane directed officials to fast-track an integrated online ticketing system. The goal is a “one-tap” solution for all water transport, including water taxis and the future Water Metro.

The bid submission window for the PMC (Project Management Consultant) closes on Thursday (May 7). This consultant will handle the design and supervision of 26 terminals across 16 routes in Phase 1.

Following a directive from CM Fadnavis in March, the state is identifying land in Nandgaon, Dighi, and Vijaydurg to build dedicated shipyards. The intent is for the required 207 electric/hybrid vessels to be “Made in Maharashtra.”

–IANS

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