E-ferries from Uran to Gateway in 2 weeks

URAN: In about two weeks, the journey time from Uran to the Gateway of India will reduce by half as electrical ferries will become operational.

“Speed trials are currently in progress. The service should start in two weeks,” an official from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) told HT.

JNPA had, in December last year, approved the leasing of two e-ferries for ₹37.8 crores for a period of 10 years. The boats were supposed to be pressed into service January but technical reasons caused a delay.

Wooden passenger boats that have been in service for years take over an hour to complete the journey while e-ferries will take 30-40 minutes, benefitting local residents, JNPA personnel, and personnel from customs, air force, CISF and ports who usually travel on the route.

Each ferry can accommodate 20-24 passengers and tickets will be available online, said Unmesh Sharad Wagh, chairman, JNPA. The number of trips and timings will be decided by JNPA based on requirement.