The Nerul Passenger Water Terminal (NPWT) is finally set to open within a month. The terminal was completed by CIDCO nearly three years ago at a cost of over INR 150 crore. However, multiple delays prevented its operation.
Last year in May, the then chief minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the terminal.
CIDCO has now finalised an operator. Drishti Life Line Private Ltd has been chosen to manage the jetty. The company has acquired a boat and is expected to start trial runs soon. CIDCO has also applied for route clearances from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). The process is in its final stages.
Water transport has been a long-pending demand for Navi Mumbai. The city has seen improvements in road, rail, and metro connectivity. However, water transport plans have failed to take off. The NPWT will now provide both passenger and freight services.
The terminal is located in a prime area. It is north of Palm Beach Road, west of the Nerul-Uran railway line, and east of the NRI Complex. This location will make it easily accessible for travellers.
The service will include trips to multiple locations. Plans include routes from Nerul to Mandwa in Alibaug, Elephanta Caves, Bhau Cha Dhakka, and Thane’s flamingo sanctuary. Mangrove tourism along Navi Mumbai and Thane’s coastline is also planned.
A RoRo service will run between Nerul and Mandwa. The ship will accommodate 50 cars and 60 passengers. The journey will take about an hour. Initially, only one boat will operate, and timings will depend on tidal conditions.
Speedboats will also be available. They will have a seating capacity of 25 and space for 10 vehicles. The Nerul to Elephanta trip will take about 30 minutes. CIDCO is pushing to start the service as soon as possible. As per reports, the operations may start within a month.
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