Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske from Thane Lok Sabha constituency raised a crucial issue in Parliament under Rule 377, urging the central government to expedite the development of water transport in Mumbai, connecting Dombivli, Thane, and Bhayandar.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has proposed an inland passenger water transport system to connect key urban areas within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Initially, four jetties were constructed at Bhayandar, Kolshet, Kalher, and Dombivli to support the project. The passenger service will operate along the Vasai Creek and Ulhas River, enhancing east-west connectivity and complementing the region's growing residential and population expansion.

MP Mhaske informed the House that under the Sagarmala scheme, the central and state governments plan to invest Rs. 96 crore 12 lakh in completing these four jetties within 18 months. However, the project is facing bureaucratic and financial hurdles that are slowing its progress.

Mhaske emphasized the importance of popularizing this water transport service among the public. Once operational, the state government will need to identify passenger ferry operators, drawing inspiration from the success of the Ro-Pax service between Ferry Ghat and Mandwa, and the traditional ferry services in the same route.

He further highlighted that, due to rapid urbanization in MMR, it is imperative to implement the inland water transport system as soon as possible. While there are plans for additional jetties along National Waterway 53, work on these will proceed later in areas such as Vasai, Kalyan, Parsik, Naglabunder, Anjur Dive, and Ghodbunder/Gaymukh. Mhaske noted that the operational jetty at Gaymukh is already being used for floating services.

MP Naresh Mhaske called for immediate instructions from the concerned authorities to ensure the timely completion of this vital project. He urged the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to clear the existing obstacles and facilitate the swift implementation of the Mumbai Inland Passenger Water Transport System, which promises to significantly improve travel connectivity in the region.