Waterways may connect Navi Mumbai airport to Mumbai, Thane
Studies to ascertain if the under-construction airport could be linked to nearby metros via water routes are already underway, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said (Representational Image)
The Centre is mulling over connecting the upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport to neighbouring cities of Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, and Vasai via waterways, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said.
Gadkari made the statement yesterday on the sidelines of the foundation laying ceremony of two mega road projects in Thane – eight laning of Vadape-Thane bypass and four-laning of Sahapur-Murbad-Karjat-Khopoli national highway.
The minister said that his department was already conducting studies to ascertain if the under-construction airport could be linked to nearby metros via water routes.
“I had discussed plans with Mumbai Port Trust and a feasibility test had shown favourable results. We hope to link the suburbs with the new airport through waterways in addition to the rail, road, and Metro,” Gadkari told reporters.
The union minister also stated that the water-based transport modes like hovercrafts, seaplanes, and airboats could be used to link areas around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s 150km-long shoreline even before the airport was operational.
Gadkari even urged the State Government to form a separate body for the management of various transport modes, with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust being made part of the authority formed to oversee and manage waterway transport.
In addition, the senior minister stated that eight jetties have been approved for Thane district to ease traffic congestion on roads.
