Mumbai – Despite being cheaper and more environmentally friendly than air, rail, and road transport, the State Government continues to ignore water transport. Whilst the government spends crores of rupees on road construction, land acquisition, and bridge building, natural waterways are not being utilised for passenger transit. Given the growing population and the heavy pressure on road and rail networks, the government must stop restricting waterways to luxury ‘cruise tourism’ for the wealthy and introduce passenger water transport for common citizens.
This appeal was made by the Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad. Advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, National President of the Parishad, has sent a detailed representation regarding this matter to the Home Secretary (Ports and Transport) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.
Cost advantages and overburdened Konkan routes
According to a report by the Union Ministry of Commerce, the cost of road transport is ₹3.78 per kilometre, whilst rail transport costs ₹1.96 per kilometre. In contrast, water transport incurs a cost of just ₹1.80 per kilometre. This economical alternative has become essential, particularly for the residents of Konkan. At present, most trains plying through the Konkan route originate from far-off destinations such as Delhi and Chennai, meaning they are already fully booked. Local residents face severe struggles to secure space even in general unreserved compartments. Consequently, citizens from other states benefit far more from these services than the local population. Given the immense congestion on the Konkan Railway, introducing a water transport alternative would make travel significantly more comfortable for Konkan residents, Advocate Ichalkaranjikar stated in the letter.
Ignoring proven waterway transport
Since water transport costs less than half of road travel, neighbouring Gujarat has successfully launched its ‘Hazira to Ghogha’ passenger water transport service. Furthermore, passenger boats operating at speeds of 58 knots are functioning in South America. A few years ago, Maharashtra itself operated passenger water services such as ‘Konkan Shakti’, ‘Konkan Sevak’, and ‘Damania Catamaran’. However, whilst Maharashtra progressed in other sectors, it lagged behind in this domain and failed to maintain even its existing infrastructure.
Road and bridge construction projects line the pockets of contractors, whilst involved parties also secure a share through toll collection. In the representation, the Parishad raised a pertinent question as to whether water transport is being deliberately neglected due to these underlying financial interests.
Key recommendations for coastal connectivity
Against this backdrop, the Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad has placed key demands before the government. A ‘Ro-Pax’ passenger water transport service from Mumbai to Mangaluru (Karnataka) must be launched within a fixed timeframe, and an affordable travel scheme should be formulated for common citizens with immediate action taken upon it. Whilst the government’s efforts to develop ports for commercial trade are welcome, initiating passenger water transport will ensure these ports are fully utilised. This will allow everyday commuters to enjoy affordable and pollution-free journeys. Therefore, the Parishad expects the government to give top priority to this demand.
