The Maharashtra government will start its ferry services from the Gateway of India to Alibaug and Elephanta Caves. The decision comes after two passenger boat accidents in Mumbai harbour over the past four months. The new services will use electric boats.
These boats will be operated by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and not by private companies. The government will spend over INR 330 crore on the project.
Fifteen boats will be bought from Candela, a company from Sweden. The company is known for its hydrofoil technology. These boats lift above water using computer-controlled hydrofoils. This helps reduce drag and saves energy.
The boats will run at speeds between 18 and 30 knots. Each boat will cost INR 22 crore. The first two boats will arrive in August. Each boat will carry 30 passengers.
Fares will be low. They may match the current ticket prices. The boats will also be safer. Many wooden boats now run without proper licences. Some are overcrowded. The government says the new boats will follow strict safety rules.
By September, a new Ro-Ro speedboat service will also begin. It will connect Mumbai to Goa. The service will stop at Ratnagiri and parts of Sindhudurg district, including Malvan.
Passengers will be able to carry their cars on the boat. The trip to Ratnagiri will take four and a half hours. Travel to Goa will take two hours. The state aims to start this before the Ganpati festival.
The government took this step after two recent accidents. In December, a Navy speedboat hit a ferry going to Elephanta Island. The ferry had 110 passengers. It capsized, and at least 14 people died.
On April 11, a private boat going to Mandwa faced strong winds and waves. The boat began to take in water. There were 130 passengers on board. No one died.
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