OPINION

An insight into the gaining popularity of ferries becoming an important mode of transport

Successful waterfront developments in places like London combine public spaces and culture with residential and commercial development to ensure economic sustainability

DEVIKA SAIGAL CEO OF M2M FERRIES

With over 7,500 kilometres of coastline and almost 20,000 kilometres of navigable inland waters, water transport is the key to economic and tourism development. India’s waterfront landscape is fast evolving and transforming itself in ways unimagined. Water-borne transport is a cleaner form of transport, often cutting travel time with a direct route compared to roadways. M2M Ferries is a classic case of a strong private/ public partnership exhibiting all the above advantages. Earlier the Raigad belt was only accessible by vehicular movement, and by water for only eight months of the year. The positive impact of this year-round operation includes cutting down road travel time by 75 per cent for both locals and tourists. As of today, water transport represents only 6 per cent of India’s modal split. So by comparison, coastal and inland water transportation contribute to 47 per cent of China’s freight modal mix, while in Japan and the US, this share is 34 per cent and 12.4 per cent respectively. Alongside cargo movement, passenger movement has also begun to find its niche in the country. The waterfront development is at an inflection point in the country and the next decade should see massive growth. With respect to passenger movement, ferries are like buses and trains - a mass commuter facility which will lead the new wave of the viability of waterfront developments and transport.

The ferry model offers strong advantages.

Both passengers and luggage can be conveniently transported with minimum to negligible hassle. Additionally, they avoid traffic snarls. These ferries offer comfort and space with the ability to move around rather than be stuck in an uncomfortable chair for long periods. To sum it up, it is the most cost-effective form of travel that can provide all three: swift travel, pocket-friendliness, and a comfortable journey. Lastly, one should also keep in mind that water travel cuts down on carbon emissions which aligns with the climate goals of India in working towards a cleaner mode of travel.

There are some challenges that will prove critical in developing this industry. Firstly, this is a highly technical industry - both at the infrastructure development level and at the operator level and thus getting the right technology is the key to its success. The next vital challenge is getting single window clearances and long concessions. Infrastructure projects need long gestation periods, master planning and support from government agencies and an adequate time to recoup for investments to roll in. Waterways provide the most beneficial mode of transport for stakeholders, from creating local employment to assisting in the achievement of audacious climate goals; its potential is yet untapped in India Some key success stories and examples of waterfront development can be drawn from our own country like the Brahmaputra river cruises which range from day cruises along the river to a ten-night cruise which includes wildlife safaris as well as experiencing the culture and archaeology along the riverfront.

We have personally witnessed with the development of the port at Mandwa by introducing restaurants, retail shops and open spaces, the footfalls increased from an average of 2,000 people a day to 10,000. It is a fact that connectivity and development will bring economic growth which leads to employment opportunities, an influx of tourism and contributes to the nation’s GDP. It is important to understand that in India, all the metro cities are struggling with traffic congestion, emissions from vehicles, and air pollution. The air quality issue is being addressed by introducing greener vehicles, but waterways which have been ignored, have now gained importance and have begun to form an integral part of our infrastructural network. BTI

Water-borne transport is a cleaner form of transport, often cutting travel time