Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Tuesday that he has discussed a proposal to introduce 10,000 water taxis to ferry commuters from the distant suburbs of Mumbai to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Speaking at the ICERP (International Conference & Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics) 2025 exhibition, Gadkari mentioned that he had already consulted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the plan.

The proposed water taxis would transport passengers from suburbs such as Virar, located along the Arabian Sea to the north of Mumbai, and Kalyan-Dombivli in the northeast along Thane Creek, to the new airport in just 70 minutes, news agency PTI reported. "Taking from all sides of Mumbai, from Vasai-Virar to Kalyan-Dombivli, it [water taxis] can connect to the new airport in 70 minutes. Already I have discussed the proposal with the CM. We need 10,000 water taxis in Mumbai," Gadkari stated.