This Hovercraft Ferry Service Will Cut Travel Time From Mumbai To Navi Mumbai Down To 30 Mins

After the launch of a private cruise, ¡®Angriya¡¯ that will ferry passengers from Mumbai to Goa in lavish coaches and provide them with the best spa and exotic cuisine experience, a hovercraft might be the next thing.

A hovercraft or an air-cushion vehicle will ferry passengers between Gateway of India and Nerul from February 2019, the Hindustan Times reported. The Maharashtra Maritime Board informed the media house that they were in the process of procuring hovercrafts from Russia.

Photo: BCCL/Representational Image

The water-transport project which is being monitored by the state maritime board will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from two hours to only 30 minutes. The lucrative opportunity albeit, acquired only one private firm which agreed to run the service operations.

¡°A Chennai-based firm MOH group expressed its interest in operating the service and is now purchasing the hovercrafts from Russia. Once they arrive, services between Nerul and Gateway of India should start,¡± said Vikram Kumar, chief executive officer (CEO), MMB to HT.

An official informed that the company will procure two hovercrafts that can accommodate around 100 passengers in total. Reportedly, the company will procure second-hand hovercrafts that will be renovated. The services are expected to begin by February 2019. Currently, people can reach Navi Mumbai from Mumbai via a special local train and by travelling on the harbour line.

Photo: BCCL/Representational Image

These vessels, if they are made operational will provide an alternative mode of transport. The service will also be operating during the monsoon as there are no tidal movements in the creek.

The company plans to track its passengers¡¯ initial response, on the basis of which the fare and the number of vessels to be procured will be decided. Moreover, another project connecting Nerul to Nadwa, near Alibaug may be introduced.