The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a Public Private Partnership (PPP) tender to develop a helipad at Worli Jetty along the Mumbai Coastal Road, marking a significant step in urban infrastructure planning for emergency response and coastal monitoring. The proposed facility, designed for medium-sized helicopters, aims to enhance citywide emergency preparedness, national security, and strategic connectivity along Mumbai’s western seafront.
The Worli Jetty helipad will serve multiple civic functions, including rapid medical evacuation, disaster relief operations, coastal surveillance, and VVIP transport. The project’s scope encompasses the construction of landing and take-off zones, navigational and lighting systems, firefighting and safety infrastructure, and ground handling and refuelling facilities. A senior civic official noted that the PPP partner will be responsible for architectural and engineering design, integrating the helipad aesthetically with the Coastal Road while adhering to aviation regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The tender outlines a 15-year operational PPP agreement, with the potential for a 15-year extension upon mutual consent. Under the proposed revenue-sharing model, the BMC will receive a fixed monthly fee along with a portion of proceeds from helicopter take-offs and landings. Urban development experts suggest that such models, while financially viable for municipal authorities, also set a precedent for responsible private-sector participation in critical infrastructure projects.
Worli Jetty, situated approximately 120 metres into the Arabian Sea near Worli Dairy, was initially constructed as a temporary structure during Phase 1 of the Coastal Road project. Following feasibility and structural assessments by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Pawan Hans Ltd., the jetty has been deemed suitable for medium-class helicopter operations. The retention of the jetty aligns with prior recommendations from coastal police authorities for surveillance purposes, demonstrating an evolving approach to multipurpose urban infrastructure. Analysts point out that integrating aerial mobility into Mumbai’s urban landscape addresses emerging challenges related to emergency responsiveness in a densely populated metropolis. The helipad’s location on the Coastal Road provides a strategic vantage for rapid medical intervention, disaster management, and enhanced monitoring of Mumbai’s coastline, contributing to the city’s broader resilience and public safety strategy.
As the BMC progresses with the tendering process, the helipad is expected to become operational over the next few years, reinforcing Mumbai’s ambition to leverage both land and aerial infrastructure for inclusive and resilient urban development. For planners and citizens alike, the project represents a step toward more integrated, safety-oriented city planning that accommodates emergency, security, and civic needs efficiently.
BMC Plans Helipad Development At Worli Jetty
