Mumbai's water transport to be reality by June 2014

The water transport services project on the west and east coast of Mumbai will be a reality by June 2014, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar told the assembly on Monday while presenting the budget.

Pawar, who is also the state finance minister said that infrastructure development under Nariman Point-Borivali west coast water transport project with estimated cost of Rs 750 cr would be undertaken jointly by the state government, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and City and Industrial development corporation (CIDCO).

The East coast water transport project from Nerul to South Mumbai and further to Mandwa in Raigad district will be implemented on "Built Operate and Transfer" (BOT) mode by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

Both these projects are expected to be completed by June 2014, he said.

"As a result, fast, cheaper and environment friendly passenger transport facility will be available," he added.

Under the project, government agencies will build infrastructure like jetties and passenger facilities while private party will operate the ferry services.