Transport ministry gives water transport corridor much needed boost

The Thane Municipal Corporation's (TMC) proposal to develop an inland hi-speed water transport corridor along the city shores got the much-needed push last week after the Union surface and water transport ministry assured of financial assistance to the project.

Municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal gave an elaborate presentation on the feasibility plans and the need to tap the coastline for an alternative travel between neighbouring cities during a meeting with Union surface transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi last week.

Jaiswal is stated to have explained that the present rail and road transport network connecting Thane with Mumbai, Navi Mumbai or Mira-Bhayander townships was proving inadequate to cater to the growing population. There is an urgent need to explore the sea route which could be financially viable and a feasible project.