In a significant shift towards modernising passenger transport, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has decided to phase out its wooden boats and replace them with state-of-the-art speedboats starting in the New Year. These eco-friendly speedboats will operate on the JNPA-Mumbai sea route, cutting down travel time to just 35-40 minutes, much to the relief of commuters.

For years, wooden boats have been the primary mode of transport between JNPA Port and Mumbai, serving workers from various sectors, including the Air Force, CISF, customs, port users, and their families. These boats operated from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making 16 round trips each day.

JNPA spent approximately ₹19.68 lakh per month on this service. However, with the opening of the Uran railway line and Atal Setu Bridge, as well as a shift in traffic patterns, passenger numbers on the sea route began to decline. Despite reducing the number of wooden boats to eight in recent months, the lack of demand and concerns over safety led JNPA to explore alternatives.

To address these issues, JNPA has opted for modern, pollution-free speedboats, powered by electronic batteries. These boats are equipped with advanced technology and safety features to provide a faster and more sustainable solution for commuters. JNPA President Unmesh Wagh initially proposed the move to speedboats, which is now being put into action by the administration.

The new fleet will consist of two lightweight, fiberglass speedboats named Harit Sagar and Harit Nauka, each with a capacity of 20-25 passengers during the summer season and 10-12 passengers during the monsoon. These boats will begin operations by early February 2024, offering a much faster and safer alternative for passengers.

In a bid to modernise the service and reduce environmental impact, the new speedboats will use non-polluting technology, ensuring a cleaner, greener mode of transport. With the capacity to travel between JNPA and Mumbai in just 35-40 minutes, the speedboats are expected to improve commuter satisfaction significantly. The total cost of the project, ₹37.89 crore, was approved by the JNPA Board of Trustees during a meeting on 20 December 2024.

Captain Balasaheb Pawar, Deputy Conservator of JNPA, confirmed that the preparations for launching the new speedboat service are well underway.