Maharashtra Signs MoU for Mumbai Water Metro, Approves ₹150 Crore Electric Boat Manufacturing Plant in Sindhudurg

State Partners With Private Firm to Build Electric Water Metro Vessels and Boost Green Maritime Transport

Maharashtra has taken another major step toward developing sustainable water transportation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to supply electric vessels for the upcoming Mumbai Water Metro project and establish a modern electric boat manufacturing facility in Sindhudurg district.

The agreement was signed between the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and Zoya Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. in the presence of Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane at Mantralaya, Mumbai. The initiative is expected to strengthen the state's maritime infrastructure, attract private investment, promote clean transportation, and create new employment opportunities across the Konkan region.

₹150 Crore Investment Planned for Electric Boat Manufacturing Hub

As part of the agreement, a state-of-the-art electric boat manufacturing plant will be developed at Talawane village in Sawantwadi taluka of Sindhudurg district.

The project will be spread across nearly 22 acres and will involve an estimated investment of ₹150 crore. Once operational, the facility will manufacture environmentally friendly electric boats equipped with modern technology to support Maharashtra's expanding water transport network.

Officials said the manufacturing hub is expected to become an important center for advanced shipbuilding while supporting the state's long-term clean mobility goals.

Modern Electric Vessels to Power Mumbai Water Metro

The MoU also includes the supply of advanced electric vessels for the Mumbai Water Metro project.

The Water Metro initiative aims to provide faster, cleaner, and more efficient passenger transportation through Mumbai's waterways. By introducing electric boats, the project is expected to reduce emissions, lower operating costs over time, and offer a sustainable alternative to road-based commuting.

Similar water-based public transport systems have already demonstrated success in improving urban mobility while reducing environmental impact, making electric ferry services an increasingly attractive solution for growing metropolitan regions.

Government Focuses on Maritime Growth and Green Transportation

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said the Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is actively working to attract large-scale investments in the maritime sector.

He said the project combines modern transportation with industrial development by bringing advanced Water Metro vessels to Maharashtra while establishing an electric boat manufacturing ecosystem within the state.

According to the minister, the initiative is expected to strengthen Maharashtra's maritime economy, encourage modern shipbuilding technologies, and generate employment opportunities for local youth, particularly in Sindhudurg and nearby coastal districts.

Project Expected to Create Jobs and Support Local Industry

Beyond supplying vessels, the project is expected to contribute to regional economic development.

Officials discussed several key aspects during the meeting, including project execution, technical collaboration, investment planning, workforce training, and future expansion of Maharashtra's maritime industry.

The proposed manufacturing facility is expected to create direct and indirect employment while helping develop specialized skills in electric vessel production, marine engineering, and related industries.

Industry experts believe such investments can strengthen the local supply chain and position Maharashtra as an emerging hub for sustainable marine manufacturing.

Senior Officials Attend MoU Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony was attended by several senior government officials and industry representatives, including Additional Chief Secretary (Transport and Ports) Sanjay Sethi, officials from the Maharashtra Maritime Board, Zoya Marine Services directors John Fernandes and Suraj Devadhiya, along with Ambar Ayande and Dr. Nilesh Banawalikar.

Their discussions focused on timely implementation of the project, technology adoption, investment opportunities, and long-term development of Maharashtra's maritime infrastructure.

Green Marine Transport Gains Momentum in Maharashtra

The latest agreement reflects Maharashtra's growing focus on sustainable transportation and maritime development. With electric vessels planned for the Mumbai Water Metro and a dedicated manufacturing facility coming up in Sindhudurg, the state is working to combine environmental responsibility with industrial growth.

If implemented as planned, the project could support cleaner urban mobility, expand marine manufacturing capabilities, attract additional investments, and create long-term employment while strengthening Maharashtra's position as one of India's leading maritime states.