Union Minister Nitin Gadkari mentioned that he had discussed a proposal to introduce 10,000 water taxis for transporting people from the distant suburbs of Mumbai to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. While speaking at the ICERP 2025 exhibition, Gadkari shared that he had already discussed the idea with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

According to Gadkari, the water taxis would be able to transport people from suburbs such as Virar, located along the Arabian Sea to the north of the city, and Kalyan-Dombivli in the northeast along Thane Creek, to the new airport in 70 minutes.

He explained that the water taxis would connect areas like Vasai-Virar and Kalyan-Dombivli to the new airport in just 70 minutes and added that he had already had discussions with the Chief Minister about the proposal. He emphasized the need for 10,000 water taxis in Mumbai.

Passenger flights from the new airport are expected to commence in April next year, and plans are underway to connect the airport with the metro rail to facilitate passenger movement.

Gadkari also suggested that all 10,000 water taxis could be constructed using fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), a material with significant relevance in the shipping industry. He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing the cost of the material.