India’s first water taxi service inaugurated in Maharashtra

India’s first water taxi service inaugurated in Maharashtra

Part of: Prelims and GS-III Infrastructure 

Context: India’s first water taxi service was inaugurated in Maharashtra which connects the Navi Mumbai area to mainland Mumbai. 

Key takeaways 

• Maharashtra’s Chief Minister inaugurated the Belapur jetty while Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• The Rs. 8.37-crore project will presently operate on three routes and the State and the Centre have shared the expenditure. 
• The three routes include Belapur to Ferry Wharf – the domestic cruise terminal, Belapur to Elephanta Caves and Belapur to JNPT.
• In the initial stage, seven speedboats will run on these routes. 
• The ease of transport is a key factor for investors to set up businesses in the region.

Do you know?

• India’s first train ran between Mumbai and Thane and it expanded throughout the country gradually. 

News Source: TH