Pune: Mulshi Dam Ferry Service Launched, Travel Distance Reduced by 25 km for Villagers
Mulshi, 27th April 2026: In a major connectivity boost for remote villages around the Mulshi dam, a passenger launch service between Mulshi and Waghwadi was recently inaugurated by Pune Zilla Parishad President Veerdhaval Jagdale.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by MLA Shankar Mandekar, Zilla Parishad Vice President Vivek Walse Patil, Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Manda Shelke, former MLA Sharad Dhamale, Agriculture Committee Chairperson Amol Nalawade, along with several local representatives and villagers.
The newly introduced service is expected to benefit residents of 16 villages located across the Mulshi dam reservoir, who have long struggled with poor connectivity. In the absence of direct access, villagers earlier had to take a long detour via the main road. The launch service will now help reduce travel distance by nearly 20 to 25 kilometres.
Villages such as Waghwadi, Shirgaon, Vadgaon, Vaduste, Bhadas Khonda, Nimbarwadi, Bhorkas, and Wandre are set to gain direct connectivity through this service, while several nearby settlements will also see a significant reduction in travel time.
Speaking at the event, MLA Shankar Mandekar said the project had been delayed due to administrative reasons, but with elections now concluded, development works in the region are expected to gain momentum. He also assured that roads in the Mulshi dam area would be upgraded to better standards.
Vivek Walse Patil clarified that the launch service is not intended to generate profit but is aimed at covering operational costs such as maintenance and repairs.
The fare has been fixed at ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children, and ₹50 for transporting motorcycles. However, local villagers, particularly those affected by displacement due to the dam, have raised concerns that the charges are high given their limited sources of income. Authorities have assured that the fare structure will be reviewed in light of these concerns.
The initiative is expected to significantly ease daily travel, improve access to essential services, and enhance overall mobility for residents in the Mulshi dam region.
