18 November,2024 12:44 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Nitin Gadkari. Pic/PTI
Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections 2024, Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said the proposed water taxi services would enable people to reach the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport from anywhere in Mumbai in 17 minutes, thus effectively reducing the travel time, reported news agency PTI.
The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra's Thane city on Sunday night where he spoke about the government's plans aimed at transforming connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in Mumbai and Thane, reported PTI.
The Maharashtra elections 2024 are scheduled on November 20.
The international airport in Navi Mumbai is expected to start operations in March 2025.
ALSO READ
Tamil Nadu tops India in road accidents with 64,105 cases in 2022: Gadkari
Motorists must have respect for others’ lives
Himachal minister urges Nitin Gadkari for construction of alternate road from Ghatasni to Kullu
Government focusing on tackling pollution and traffic jams in Delhi: Gadkari
BJP's list of probable ministers for Maharashtra cabinet ready, says CM Fadnavis
Nitin Gadkari said the proposed water taxi services, once operational, would enable commuters to reach the Navi Mumbai International Airport from any part of Mumbai "in just 17 minutes", reported PTI.
The minister said jetties have already been constructed near the airport to support this initiative.
"By harnessing the vast sea routes around Mumbai and Thane, we can significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution," he said, reported PTI.
Nitin Gadkari also highlighted the potential of introducing amphibious sea planes capable of landing in small water bodies, including lakes in Thane, eliminating the need for conventional runways, reported PTI.
The government is actively seeking investors to develop and implement this project, he added.
Addressing the traffic issues in Mumbai and Pune, Gadkari referred to the New Delhi-Mumbai expressway, which is expected to divert the outstation traffic and ease congestion within the metropolitan areas once fully operational, reported PTI.
He also proposed solutions for managing freight vehicle movement in urban regions and spoke about plans for a revolutionary inter-city electric bus service.
The 18-metre-long buses will have a seating capacity for 135 persons and offer a premium, flight-like experience, the minister said.
These buses could run for 40 kilometres on a 30-second charge, symbolising a significant shift towards renewable energy in the transport sector, he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
