India, April 16 -- Following two passenger ferry accidents in the Mumbai harbour in the last four months, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has decided to procure 15 electric boats for around Rs.330 crore to operate ferry services from the Gateway of India to Alibaug and Elephanta Caves.

Unlike the existing services, which are largely operated by private players, the new electric ferry services will be operated by the state-run MMB. According to state fisheries and ports development minister Nitesh Rane, the first phase of the new services will begin in August.

The MMB is buying 15 boats manufactured by Candella, a Swedish firm specialising in hydrofoil technology. The boats use computer-guided underwater hydrofoils to elevate their ...