The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finalised a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Raymond Group to develop and operate a helipad at Worli Jetty, a move expected to enhance emergency connectivity, coastal surveillance, and urban transport flexibility. The helipad will be constructed on the existing coastal road jetty and upgraded to meet Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, with operations projected to commence within two years.
The Worli Jetty, originally built as a temporary structure during the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), was retained for coastal police surveillance. A structural assessment by the Maharashtra Maritime Board confirmed the site’s suitability, while aviation specialists from Pawan Hans Limited validated its operational feasibility for medium-sized helicopters. The project will incorporate permanent ramps, safety upgrades, landing and take-off zones, navigation aids, lighting, firefighting systems, and supporting ground handling infrastructure. Under the PPP framework, Raymond Group will manage operations for 15 years, with provisions for a further 15-year extension based on mutual agreement. The corporation will receive either 50% of landing fees or a minimum guaranteed monthly revenue of ₹4 lakh, ensuring a consistent public return while leveraging private expertise in aviation infrastructure management. Officials cited growing limitations at the Mahalaxmi Race Course helipad, highlighting the need for an alternative site to accommodate VIP helicopter movements and emergency operations.
Urban transport analysts note that integrating helipads within city precincts can significantly improve rapid-response capabilities for disaster relief, medical evacuations, and security operations. “Establishing structured, DGCA-compliant helipads in high-density coastal areas supports both civic resilience and strategic connectivity,” said a senior urban planning official. The Worli project is positioned to complement Mumbai’s existing aviation infrastructure while addressing gaps in emergency accessibility. From an urban development perspective, the helipad aligns with broader strategies to optimise underutilised coastal assets for multipurpose use. By formalising the jetty’s role in civic aviation, the BMC aims to balance public utility, security needs, and commercial sustainability. The initiative also reflects a growing trend of leveraging PPP models to develop city-critical infrastructure, combining regulatory oversight with operational efficiency.
Environmental and operational considerations are central to the project. Authorities emphasise adherence to coastal zone regulations, marine safety standards, and aviation safety requirements to minimise ecological impact. The integration of ground support and fuel facilities is designed to maintain operational reliability without compromising coastal ecosystems or public access. Once operational, the Worli Jetty helipad is expected to enhance Mumbai’s urban resilience, streamline VVIP and emergency transport, and support disaster preparedness in the city’s western precincts. Observers indicate that the project could serve as a blueprint for future coastal helipad initiatives, balancing economic viability, regulatory compliance, and civic utility in a megacity context.
BMC Partners With Raymond Group To Develop Worli Jetty Helipad
