MoU for Thane waterway in 15 days, says Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Surface Transport and Ports Nitin Gadkari announced on Monday that an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for the water transport facility between Thane and Vasai-Virar would be signed with the state government in 15 days time. The facility entails proposing a waterway between the two suburbs Thane and Vasai-Virar which is expected to cut the travel time substantially.

He was speaking at the two-day workshop on Development of Ropeways in Mumbai. Nationwide, Gadkari said that waterways would be the first priority followed by railways and roads with special emphasis on electric-vehicles.

Advocating use of electric vehicles, Gadkari said, We are power surplus and coal surplus which is why using electric vehicles oe can easily save Rs 5000 per month.

Talking about the proposed ropeway between Sewri and Elephanta Caves, he said that the ropeway would be extended further to Uran which will greatly reduce Mumbai- Goa travel time.

Stating that water transport and rope-ways can be new game changer for the country. He asserted that these initiatives can generate increased employment opportunity for the locals. An integrated approach to transport saves energy and reduces pollution, he added.