Water transport services to go digital; online ticketing system to be implemented – Minister Nitesh Rane

Instructions issued to implement digital ticketing system on Versova–Madh water route

Mumbai, May 2026 : To make water transport services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region more modern, transparent, and passenger-friendly, an online ticketing system will be implemented. Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane stated that the traditional ticketing system on the Versova–Madh route will be converted into a modern digital platform.

A review meeting on the introduction of an online ticket distribution and sales system for passenger water transport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region was held at the मंत्रालय (Mantralaya) under the chairmanship of Minister Nitesh Rane. The meeting was attended by Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO P. Pradeep and officials from the concerned departments.

Minister Rane said that the traditional ticketing system on the Versova–Madh route will be replaced with a modern digital system. Under this project, which will be implemented in collaboration with the Maharashtra Maritime Board and private partners, plans are underway to introduce monthly, quarterly, and annual digital passes.

He stated that the objective is to ensure at least 50% of transactions are conducted online within the next three months. Out of approximately 22,000 daily ticket transactions, the target is to shift at least 11,000 transactions to digital platforms.

Considering the growing passenger traffic in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the effective use of digital systems in water transport has become essential. The online ticketing system will help passengers avoid standing in queues, speed up ticketing processes, and bring greater transparency to the system.

The minister also reviewed plans to resume and accelerate water transport services ahead of the monsoon season. Detailed discussions were held regarding early commencement of services on routes such as Gateway of India, Belapur, Elephanta, and DCD terminals.

Options for generating additional revenue through advertisements and commercial branding within the ticketing system are also being considered. Plans have also been made to develop jetty areas with gazebos, digital information systems, and improved passenger amenities.

During the meeting, presentations were made on smart automatic gates, QR-code-based entry systems, handheld ticketing machines, and multi-modal payment systems.