Indian officials propose financial incentives for purchase of modern ferries

The State Government of Maharashtra in India has proposed providing financial incentives to local operators for the purchase of modern passenger vessels for deployment on the routes between the Gateway of India and Elephanta Island near Mumbai.

The proposal was presented in the wake of increasing public demand for additional vessels on the said route, especially during weekends.

The majority of ferries operating on the route are ageing, wooden-hulled vessels. Although local operators agree that such vessels are in urgent need of replacement, they have repeatedly lobbied for financial assistance, particularly for the purchase and the maintenance of the newer vessels.

Officials are proposing the incentives to facilitate the transition to modern vessels following a collision that left over 15 people dead in the waters off Mumbai late last year.

On December 18, 2024, an Indian Navy speedboat conducting engine trials in Mumbai Harbour collided with the ferry Neel Kamal, which had more than 100 embarked passengers at the time.

The ferry capsized due to the force of the impact, and 15 people, including ferry passengers and some crewmembers on the navy vessel, are confirmed dead.

Among the safety measures implemented following the tragedy was the installation of a new pontoon at the number five jetty of Mumbai Port in January. The pontoon helps create additional berthing space for passenger speedboats by allowing up to eight boats to berth at the number five jetty simultaneously.

An official of the Mumbai Port Authority said that the pontoon will permit loading and unloading of passengers to be done more efficiently, more safely, and in less time.