Big water transport infra can be ready in 28 months: Report
The network will have a capacity for 1.63 lakh boat trips in a year, to carry nearly 1-1.63 crore passengers by 2031 considering a minimum capacity of 100 per boat.
The report suggests that route No.6 i.e Vasai-Marve-Nariman Point (61 km) is potentially the most viable followed by route 9 i.e Belapur-Gateway-Mandwa (38km) connecting Navi Mumbai and the new airport to Mumbai and Alibaug. Vasai-Mira Bhayandar-Gaimukh-Nagale (17 km) and Kalher-Kolshet-Mulund-Airoli-Vashi-Gateway (50km) are seen as the next most viable routes which can ensure an internal rate of return of 20%.
Except routes 1, 8 and 10, all are expected to be potentially viable. For route 7, a viability gap fund of 60% has been suggested in the feasibility report by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMLR), a partner in the consortium running the Kochi Water Metro.
State ports and waterways minister Nitesh Rane has, however, directed the state maritime authority, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to ensure more jetties at Juhu, Bandra, Versova, Mahim, Worli and Kandivli to attract Mumbaikars towards water transport.
Based on the study, a final DPR (detailed project report) will be made by MMB before tendering the work to private parties. It will take at least a year to prepare a DPR, secure clearances and award the contract, the report said.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with a projected population of 26.91 million by 2025, spans 6,328 sq km and has a network of 9 major rivers, creeks and coastlines around it. As part of the study, KMLR and MMB teams spoke to boat operators to understand the impediments they faced.
According to them, non-profitability on certain routes, difficulties in operation due to tidal variations, siltation on navigation channels due to poor dredging, lack of infrastructure, seasonal interruptions due to rough weather especially during monsoons, and the presence of fishing nets in the sea were the major impediments in making their operations viable.
Former additional transport commissioner Satish Sahasrabudhe said water transport will have to be synchronised with transport modes such as metro, locals, buses and taxis. "Last mile connectivity and 24x7 operations throughout the year without monsoon breaks will decide the success of water transport," he said.
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