Mumbai is set to enter a new phase of eco-friendly and faster transportation with the upcoming launch of its electric water taxi service.
Starting September 22, 2025, passengers will be able to travel between the Gateway of India/Mumbai Ferry Wharf and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in less than 40 minutes.
Faster and Greener Travel
Right now, this route is mostly served by wooden boats, which take more than an hour and charge ₹100 per passenger.
The new electric boats aim to reduce the travel time to under 40 minutes, providing both speed and environmental benefits.
Sohel Kazani, owner of Bharat Freight Group (BFG), shared that the first phase will introduce two boats:
One hybrid boat that runs on solar power, an electric battery, and has a diesel backup
One fully electric boat that can charge in under an hour
Designed for Comfort and Sustainability
These electric boats will be made of fibre and glass and follow a modern European design.
They are expected to offer better stability, comfort, and safety compared to the old wooden ferries.
Besides producing less pollution, they will also give passengers a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
This move supports India’s wider goal of promoting green mobility and cutting down carbon emissions in big cities.
Plans for Expansion
While only two boats will operate at first, the second phase will include four hydrogen-powered boats after setting up the required generators.
BFG also plans to add more routes beyond JNPA, possibly connecting:
South Mumbai to Elephanta Caves
Belapur
Alibaug
Harbour tourism circuits
These new routes could help reduce traffic, boost eco-tourism, and bring a fresh option for urban transport.
A Big Step for Mumbai’s Transport
The electric water taxi service is a major step forward for Mumbai’s transport system.
By combining speed, comfort, and sustainability, it will help regular commuters and also support the city’s move towards cleaner and more modern transport.
If it works well, this project could be used as a model for other coastal cities in India looking to build green transport systems.