Context
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & AYUSH virtually flagged off the ‘Most Awaited’ Water Taxi for citizens of Mumbai, Maharashtra.
About
- The Water Taxi service will connect the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for the first time.
- The Water Taxi services will commence from the Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) and will also connect nearby locations at Nerul, Belapur, Elephanta island and JNPT.
- The service promises a comfortable, stress-free journey, is time-saving and promotes eco-friendly transport.
- The Water Taxi services are going to give huge impetus to the tourism sector, especially travel to the historic Elephanta caves from Navi Mumbai.
- The newly constructed Belapur jetty, built at a cost of Rs. 8.37 crore was funded in the 50-50 model under the Sagarmala scheme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
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About Sagarmala project
- It has been launched under the Ministry of Shipping.
- The total outlay of this project is 4 crore with 150 initiative in four broad areas-
- to improve port-connectivity.
- to upgrade the existing port infrastructure.
- to create 14 Coastal Economic Zones and a Special Economic Zone.
- to develop and train the fishermen and other coastal communities.
- To fulfill the objective of the Sagarmala Project, Sagarmala Development Company Limited was formed in 2016 which will provide equity support to the project.
- Indian Port Rail Corporation has been established to execute the last mile rail connectivity with the ports.
- The Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Ship Building is also being set up.
- The Center for Inland and Coastal Maritime Technology is also being set up at IIT Kharagpur to reduce India’s dependence on foreign countries for tools and technology.
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