Mumbai: Water Connectivity
Question Pending
Mumbai's maritime story began when it was a cluster of islands inhabited by indigenous fishing communities, notably the Kolis, who gave the city its name after their deity, Mumbadevi. This further gained prominence in the 19th century as British trade developed.
Mumbai, with a population exceeding 20 million, heavily depends on its suburban rail system, which serves about 7 million commuters daily. However, overcrowding and underdeveloped metro infrastructure create significant pressure on existing transport systems. Given Mumbai’s coastal location, there is an opportunity to optimize water transport, which could augment the current public transport, reduce congestion, and offer more mobility choices for residents.
Facts and Reports
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Passenger ferries operate between Mumbai and nearby coastal destinations like Elephanta Island and Uran, catering primarily to tourists and local commuters.
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The Ro-Ro (Roll-on/ Roll-off) ferries which started in 2020, connects Mumbai (Bhaucha Dhakka/Ferry Wharf) to Mandwa in Alibaug, allowing passengers to travel with their vehicles.
Issues/Implications
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Water connectivity in Mumbai faces significant challenges, including infrastructure limitations, environmental concerns, and ensuring accessibility across the city’s diverse population.
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Many ferry terminals and jetties lack efficient last-mile connectivity options, such as nearby bus or metro connections, forcing passengers to rely on autos or taxis, adding to their travel costs and inconvenience, which reduces the appeal of water transport for daily commuting.
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The lack of a cohesive transit network linking the hinterlands with urban centers makes daily commutes challenging.
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For many commuters, water transport remains costly compared to other modes, such as local trains or buses.
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Transport infrastructure in Mumbai has limited provisions for accessibility, making it challenging for people with disabilities to use these services.
Strategic Framework proposed by UCM
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A dedicated water corporation is needed, with the Maritime Board setting up the system and MMRDA or a similar body managing operations. Key challenges include safety, silt accumulation, and pollution.
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Expand water transport routes along Mumbai's coasts, linking Madh to Gorai, Malad, Bandra, and Colaba, to ease suburban rail congestion. Develop additional routes to Chembur, Airoli, Thane, and Bay destinations like Alibaug and Uran.
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Boost route frequency and capacity between Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai, adding destinations like Versova and Nariman Point to ease road and rail congestion.
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Draw from examples like London’s Thames Clippers commuter ferries, where passengers use an integrated Oyster card for seamless multi-modal travel. Similarly, introduce a unified system that supports both commuter ferries and other public transport modes.
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Many residents still view water transport as a service primarily for tourism. Public campaigns and improved service frequency could help change perceptions and increase demand.
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Incorporating ramps, designated seating, and accessible restrooms at terminals and on ferries will widen the user base while promoting a more inclusive urban mobility system.