After decades of talk and feasibility reports, in-land waterways were about to become a reality in Mumbai, but the outbreak of coronavirus now becomes a hindrance, Union minister of state for shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya said.

We have already decided 12 routes like Vasai to Kalyan for East-West and North-South connectivity. In a very short time, in fact, we wanted to start it in May itself with hovercraft. Our technical experts had already gone and checked. Even the private players are talking to people in Russia and other countries. However, because of Coronavirus, people who had to get these hovercraft could not go back to talk further on the issue. I assure everyone that Mumbai to VasaiMumbai to Thane, Vasai to Kalyan, all this inland water transportation in creeks would be done soon, said Mandaviya.

He added, As soon as the situation normalizes, we will connect suburban east Mumbai to Mumbai.

On the other hand, the ministry has been taking extra precautions with regards to cruises coming in from abroad.

Ministry of shipping has made it mandatory for cruise members and passengers to be quarantined if they come on land. Also, there are beds that have been identified in hospitals for keeping patients from cruises. Apart from this, vessels that need bunkering here, the food and other materials needed in daily life, we give them a direct supply. We do not allow even the crew to land at our port. Lastly, many cruise ships that were on way to India have been told not to come here,” he said.

He said, “Service in Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and Mumbai to Angre Island should start in the next 3-4 days. We needed vessels with a low draft to be used in Thane creek. Hovercraft are best for that. It should start in six months’ time.

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