Mumbai's Sea Set to Sparkle: Electric Water Taxis to Cruise 7 Routes, Including Elephanta and Karanj, Starting from Belapur.

New Delhi: Infinity Harbour Service has announced the launch of electric water taxis at seven locations, including Mumbai, from December. The company has introduced four electric water taxis, two with 24 seats and two with boat sheeters. These taxis will operate from Belapur to Elephanta, Nerul, Karanj, Revas, Vashi, GenPT, Airoli, reducing pollution in the sea and offering cost savings for taxi operators. Electric water taxis are undergoing trials in Goa and Kochi.

Once fully charged, the electric taxis can operate continuously for four hours, providing a more sustainable alternative compared to diesel-powered water taxis. According to Infinity Harbour Service, a diesel-powered water taxi consumes around 140 liters of diesel in an hour’s operation. The company has invested around Rs 2.5 crore in each electric taxi to reduce operational costs.

Currently, trials are underway for a 24-seater taxi in Goa and a 6-seater taxi in Kochi, capable of reaching speeds of 12 nautical miles. The 24-seater taxi is expected to complete its trial run next month, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai in about an hour.

Electric water taxis aim to address operational challenges faced by traditional taxis on the Mumbai-Belapur route. The smaller size of electric boats reduces the risk of hitting rocks, improving safety. Previously, taxi operations on this route were halted due to collisions with rocks. The Infinity Harbour Service spokesperson mentioned that electric taxis would be allowed to operate from the Gateway of India and have already received permission to operate from the domestic cruise terminal.

Mumbai Port Trust is actively working on various plans to promote electric boats, emphasizing the need to reduce pollution caused by diesel-powered ships. Rajiv Jalota, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust, stated that alternative fuels for ships could cut costs by 40 to 50 percent, enabling reduced passenger fares. Several countries globally use alternative fuels for ships, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to marine transportation.

Electric water taxis align with environmental goals and contribute to the reduction of pollution in the sea. The introduction of these eco-friendly taxis is part of a broader effort to transition toward sustainable transportation options, benefiting both passengers and the marine environment. The expansion of such initiatives is expected to play a crucial role in promoting greener practices in the maritime sector.