Mumbai clears new Colaba jetty, balancing heritage with urban expansion
The Bombay High Court has cleared the way for the construction of a modern passenger jetty and terminal near Radio Club in Colaba, reinforcing the state’s commitment to development without compromising its ecological and cultural heritage. The court’s ruling came after evaluating objections over environmental impact, traffic congestion, and proximity to the iconic Gateway of India. With clearances from coastal, traffic, and heritage authorities in place, the court concluded that the project adheres to the principles of sustainable and regulated development.
Petitioners opposing the plan cited concerns over the jetty’s scale and its closeness to the Grade I heritage precinct. They argued that a 64,000-square-foot terminal, complete with commercial features like a café and VIP lounge, would visually and functionally overwhelm the historic seafront. The proposed structure, shaped like a tennis racket and extending over 500 metres into the Arabian Sea, also drew criticism for potentially increasing footfall and vehicular traffic in an already dense neighbourhood. However, the court noted that all heritage and traffic approvals had been duly obtained and upheld the authorities’ right to modernise urban mobility. The ruling emphasised the concept of sustainable development as a guiding framework, underlining that the project does not involve reclamation of land and meets coastal regulatory norms. Experts from heritage and environmental boards found no visual obstruction to the surrounding monuments.
The traffic impact assessment also acknowledged planned parking provisions, expected to ease congestion on P J Ramchandani Road. The judges reiterated that development, when carried out responsibly and with environmental safeguards, supports the long-term vitality of cities and their residents.While allowing the construction to proceed, the court placed limitations on non-transport functions within the terminal. It instructed that the amphitheatre be used solely as a waiting area and not as an entertainment venue. Similarly, the food facilities must be restricted to providing basic refreshments to passengers, ruling out full-service dining. The authorities were reminded to maintain hygiene standards and monitor sewage disposal, with future reviews expected to ensure the project continues to respect environmental and civic norms.
Mumbai’s push to upgrade its waterfront infrastructure reflects the city’s urgent need to modernise while preserving its historic character. With more than 35 lakh passengers relying on small jetties each year, the Colaba terminal is envisioned as a high-capacity, climate-conscious facility. If executed with strict oversight, it could emerge as a model for how dense heritage cities like Mumbai can accommodate growth without erasing their identity.
