India, Dec. 11 -- The long-awaited passenger ferry service connecting CIDCO's Nerul Passenger Water Terminal (NPWT) with Mumbai's Bhaucha Dhakka is set to launch on December 15, marking a major boost to Navi Mumbai's stalled water transport ambitions. The service will provide a 30-minute cross-harbour commute, a route that currently takes more than 90 minutes by road.

The ferry, priced at Rs.935 per passenger, will begin with four daily trips on a 20-seater vessel. Final route clearances from maritime authorities are expected ahead of the launch.

CIDCO vice chairman and managing director Vijay Singhal said the service will play an important role in the region's emerging multi-modal transport grid. "With the airport, metro and road corri...