Mumbai: The Maharashtra government introduced a new policy in its 2025-26 budget to provide financial assistance for the purchase of modern ferry boats on the Gateway of India-Mandwa-Elephanta Island ferry route. This move is intended to enhance passenger safety, particularly as ferry traffic to these popular tourist destinations surges on weekends. The initiative addresses long-standing demands from ferry operators to replace aging wooden boats, which are costly to maintain and pose significant safety risks.
State Govt’s Decision Comes After Gateway Tragedy
Currently, numerous passenger ferries operate on this route, many of which are aging wooden vessels. Ferry boat associations have repeatedly called for financial aid to modernise the fleet, citing safety concerns and high operational costs.
The government’s decision follows the tragic ferry accident near Gateway of India on December 18, 2024, where 15 people lost their lives after a speedboat operated by Navy personnel collided with a wooden ferry. The incident shed light on the vulnerabilities of older boats and fueled demands for a safer fleet.
Using Wooden Boats For Water Travel Poses High Risk
Reports citing experts have highlighted that wooden boats are more susceptible to structural damage in accidents compared to modern vessels. Unlike road transport, where the Motor Vehicles Act imposes a 15-year operational limit on vehicles, the Inland Vessels Act does not specify an age cap for boats. Instead, wooden boat licences are renewed annually after retrofitting, which involves replacing old parts and wood to keep them functional. However, safety concerns remain, prompting the push for modern vessels.
Despite the introduction of catamarans on the route, the transition to a fully modern fleet has been slow due to high costs. According to an Indian Express report, Sardar Mirza Jamalundin Mahdakar, President of the Gateway Elephanta Jal Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha stated that the cost of a single catamaran is approximately Rs 7-8 crore, making it difficult for operators to afford without government support. Unlike road transport, water transport in Maharashtra has historically lacked subsidies, further delaying the adoption of safer, more advanced boats.
Massive Funding For Improving Maharashtra’s Coastline Region
In addition to this new policy, the state budget has also allocated funds for key maritime infrastructure projects. A floating jetty will be constructed at Kashid in Raigad district to facilitate better coastal connectivity. Additionally, the government has announced a large-scale infrastructure initiative worth Rs 8,400 crore, backed by external funding, to improve facilities in Maharashtra’s coastal districts.
