Maharashtra has inked a ₹150-crore agreement with Zoya Marine Services Pvt Ltd to establish India’s first dedicated electric boat manufacturing facility, anchoring the ₹6,067-crore Mumbai Water Metro project. The plant, slated for commercial operations by December 2026, marks a strategic shift toward domestic production of urban electric ferries.
Sindhudurg facility to supply Mumbai’s water metro fleet
The 22-acre manufacturing hub in Sindhudurg’s Talawane will produce advanced electric-hybrid passenger boats tailored for Mumbai’s waterways. The move aims to curb reliance on imported vessels while aligning with the state’s push for eco-friendly maritime infrastructure.
Mumbai Water Metro, approved earlier this year, will span 250 km initially, expanding to 340 km with 21 routes, 49 terminals, and over 200 electric-hybrid ferries—potentially the world’s largest urban water transport network.
Modelled on Kochi, with global tech in play
Maharashtra is adopting the operational blueprint of Kochi Water Metro, with KMRL providing feasibility studies and implementation support. Meanwhile, the state is testing Sweden’s Candela P-12 hydrofoil ferry, which cuts energy use by 80% at speeds of 40–46 kmph, alongside evaluations of larger European electric vessels.
Officials are also exploring programmes to retrofit diesel boats with electric propulsion, extending the green transition beyond the metro fleet.
New manufacturing segment for India’s EV ecosystem
The project signals the rise of a domestic marine EV supply chain, spanning batteries, propulsion systems, charging infrastructure, and lightweight hulls. As other cities consider water metro projects under the Centre’s draft policy, the Sindhudurg facility could become a national hub for electric boat production.
Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane framed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to boost Konkan’s economy through sustainable maritime and tourism projects.
