Lok Sabha member from Mumbai south-central, Rahul Shewale, in a letter written to union minister of road transport and highways, shipping and water resources, Nitin Gadkari, on December 20, 2018, demanded that the centre start waterway services in Mumbai, from Trombay to Gateway of India. In his letter, the Sena MP stated that Mumbai has become over populated and that a huge number of vehicles on the road, are a source of major traffic jams across the megapolis.
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“Now that Mumbai has no place to expand on land, water is the only option where transportation can be made available easily. Waterway service will attract a decent number of crowd to travel, which will have a positive impact on roads with traffic and rush in local suburban trains,” he stated. He said waterway services from Trombay, an eastern suburb, to Gateway of India, in south Mumbai, will help in reducing road traffic.
Shewale said a large number of commuters travel by their private vehicles, which leads to increased levels of pollution. Therefore, waterway transport facilities will curb emission and spread of harmful gases, the Sena leader said. Even people from adjoining Navi Mumbai would be able to use this service, reducing traffic congestion in Chembur, Mankhurd and Vashi toll booth areas, he said. “This will also give employment opportunities to locals in that area,” Shewale stated.
