Mumbai’s long-awaited electric water taxis to launch on Sept 22

After years of anticipation, Mumbai’s long-awaited electric water taxi service is finally ready to set sail on September 22, marking a new chapter in the city’s coastal connectivity. Designed to offer a faster, greener, and more comfortable alternative to the current wooden boats, the service will link the Gateway of India/ Mumbai Ferry Wharf with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

This green initiative will drastically cut travel time, from over an hour on the current wooden boats (₹100 per passenger) to under 40 minutes on modern electric vessels. In the first phase, two boats will hit the waters, one a hybrid vessel powered by solar energy, electric batteries, and a diesel backup, and the other fully electric, both capable of recharging in less than an hour.

According to Sohel Kazani, owner of Bharat Freight Group (BFG), which will operate the service, the second phase will bring in four hydrogen-powered boats once generators are in place. Built with fibre and glass in sleek European designs, the new fleet promises not only energy efficiency but also smoother, more stable rides.

Looking ahead, BFG has bigger ambitions. The company plans to extend the service to cover routes beyond JNPA, including popular destinations such as Elephanta Caves, Belapur, and Alibaug, along with dedicated harbour tourism circuits.

This expansion aims not only to provide sustainable commuting options for daily travellers but also to give a significant boost to Mumbai’s coastal tourism, creating quicker access to heritage sites, weekend getaways, and leisure hubs.