Diesel boats at Gateway of India to go electric under govt scheme, says Nitish Rane

Nitesh Rane said the initiative is in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation and a greener environment.

Mumbai: In a major green initiative, the Maharashtra government will gradually convert diesel-powered boats operating at the iconic Gateway of India into electric vessels, state Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said on Tuesday.

Partnering with Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank to fund the conversion project, the government will prioritise 25 beneficiaries in the initial phase and aim to modernise the traditional fleet of the Koli community.

"Currently, 97 licensed wooden boats operate in the Gateway of India area and boat owners spend up to Rs 1 lakh per month on diesel. There is a need to implement a special scheme to convert passenger and fishing boats into electric boats to promote eco-friendly tourism and reduce the expenses of boat owners," Rane said during a meeting with the bank's chairman and BJP MLC Pravin Darekar.

The minister said the initiative is in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation and a greener environment.

"Electric boats cost anywhere between Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 6 crore. The bank should prepare a separate policy to provide special low-interest loans to fisheries co-operative societies, private boat owners, individual beneficiaries and associations," he said.

If individuals are allowed to become members of co-operative societies or form independent institutions, it will become easier for them to avail themselves of various government schemes and subsidies, he said.

Rane stated that 25 beneficiaries would be given priority in the initial phase of the project.

The initiative is expected to modernise Mumbai's traditional Koli community while promoting green environment, fuel savings and modern water tourism, MLC Darekar said.