“Mumbai to Ratnagiri in 3 Hours”: Minister Nitesh Rane Says Waterways Are a Top Priority for Maharashtra
In a move to strengthen connectivity via waterways as envisioned by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mumbai will soon be linked to Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg through the M2M ferry service, offering Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) facilities for passengers and vehicles.
Maharashtra Ports Development Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane said the new ferry service will be similar to the one currently operating between Mumbai and Alibaug. Commuters will be able to complete the journey between Mumbai and Ratnagiri in just three hours, with each ferry capable of carrying 150 vehicles and 500 passengers.
He added that the infrastructure for these new ferry services, operating between Mazgaon in South Mumbai and Ratnagiri as well as Sindhudurg, is already in place. The city is also set to launch a water metro on the lines of Kochi’s system by December 2026.
“The Chief Minister is clear on water transport. We are starting the Mumbai Water Metro – modelled on the Kochi Water Metro – to connect the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by December 2026. Three routes are ready. Once operational, you will be able to travel anywhere in the city via waterways. We will also run a Ro-Ro service from Mazgaon to Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. The entire infrastructure is ready,” Rane said during an interaction at the CNN-News18 Townhall in Mumbai. He was speaking at a session, ‘The Millennial Ministers’, alongside MoS Yogesh Kadam.
M2M is a ferry service primarily operating between Mumbai and Alibaug, offering Ro-Ro facilities for passengers and vehicles.
On concerns regarding passenger safety on choppy Arabian Sea waters, Rane said his department will maintain regular coordination with the central shipping ministry.
“All safety checks are being conducted, and we will stay in constant touch with the central shipping authorities. The M2M ferry is an advanced vessel, so the ride will be smoother,” he assured.
Rane further emphasised that the second priority for his department is enhancing coastal security. He recalled the 26/11 terror attacks, when attackers entered Mumbai through the Gateway of India docks, and said it had been a major lesson.
“We are thoroughly monitoring coastal activity and ensuring there is no internal support for terrorists. Every fisherman’s voting card is checked, as Aadhaar cards alone can be unreliable. We verify if they belong to our region, and if not, the information is shared with the Home Department. Since January, eight drones have been tracking coastal activity. Any sensitive movement is immediately reported…26/11 has taught us a lot, and we are ensuring no internal support for terrorists,” he added.
‘MCOCA, Anti-Narcotics Task Force to Curb Drug Menace’
Maharashtra Junior Minister Yogesh Kadam said the MCOCA – the stringent law enacted in 1999 to tackle organised crime – will now apply to drug peddlers.
Together with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Kadam said this will help curb the growing drug menace in Mumbai. He highlighted that the entry of chemical drugs has complicated the situation, with multiple players involved in production and sale.
“Earlier, we dealt mainly with ganja (cannabis), but now chemical drugs are widespread. The numbers are alarming. Most drug peddlers now focus on chemical drugs as they are easier to manufacture. For instance, three months ago, we raided a house in a slum area in Malad where four women were preparing drugs on a stove. We cannot monitor every house in Maharashtra, so we are focusing on curbing supply in the market,” Kadam explained.
He added that the MCOCA will apply to drug peddlers caught with commercial quantities. “We are taking strict steps to curb the drug menace. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted in Mumbai, especially in schools and colleges, as young people are the most affected. The MCOCA and ANTF will be instrumental in tackling this issue,” he said.
