The Mumbai Port Authority prepares to construct a world-class marina for private yachts near the Ferry Wharf.
The proposed facility, with the capacity to dock up to 400 private vessels, aims to streamline the currently scattered mooring system and invigorate the domestic cruise and passenger terminal precinct with high-end amenities. This upcoming marina, to be developed adjacent to the domestic cruise terminus and Ro-Ro ferry platforms at Bhaucha Dhakka, represents a significant pivot in urban coastal infrastructure. At an estimated cost of ₹550 crore, the project is envisioned as a lifestyle destination blending maritime mobility with commercial and cultural spaces. The design includes food courts, retail stores, banquet facilities, cafes, and modern lounges with expansive glass façades—marking a notable shift in how Indian port cities integrate public waterfronts with private luxury maritime activity.
Officials from the Mumbai Port Authority confirmed the marina’s scope and intent during the commissioning of the newly completed international cruise terminal at Ballard Pier. Currently, Mumbai hosts approximately 300 private yachts, moored informally near the Gateway of India and the Radio Club. The lack of a dedicated and organised docking facility has long been a bottleneck in enhancing the city’s maritime leisure offerings. The planned marina is set to address this by offering structured berths, regulated maritime access, and passenger-friendly services, all within a sustainable and modern urban design framework. Experts said this would not only elevate Mumbai’s profile as a global port city but also ease the pressure on existing marine infrastructure.
Parallelly, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is working on a separate ₹200 crore project to develop a marina for public passenger boats and catamarans near the Gateway of India. This is complemented by the state’s initiative to procure 15 electric boats, inspired by the successful Kochi Water Metro, to boost sustainable public transport on the city’s waters. The port authority has also awarded a 15-year operational and maintenance contract for the passenger terminal and adjoining commercial complex at Ferry Wharf. This ₹29 crore land-lease agreement is intended to modernise the terminal, from which Ro-Ro ferries connect Mumbai with Mandwa, and to ensure seamless commuter experiences integrated with vibrant waterfront retail and dining options.
In a parallel development, a new terminus dedicated to the city’s large fishing fleet is being constructed at Ferry Wharf. The ₹140 crore project is designed to replace ageing and deteriorating jetties and platforms, which have long posed safety hazards to fisherfolk. The terminus is expected to house up to 1,200 fishing vessels, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and the quality of seafood landed at the port. Additionally, under the broader vision for Mumbai’s port-led development, heritage restoration and green infrastructure projects are gaining traction. Refurbished heritage buildings, such as Fort House and Evelyn House, were unveiled in Ballard Estate and Colaba respectively, while the Sagar Upvan Garden in Colaba was formally opened to the public. A shore-to-ship power supply system was also inaugurated under the Green Port Initiative to reduce port emissions and promote cleaner maritime operations.
Further underlining the port’s social and logistical outreach, land has been allocated for a community kitchen at Reay Road, and office space was handed over to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority at Mallet Bunder, marking its formal presence in the city. A memorandum of understanding worth ₹5,200 crore was also signed for infrastructure development linked to the upcoming greenfield Vadhavan Port, signalling the port authority’s broader commitment to high-value coastal development. Urban planners and maritime transport experts see these moves as a concerted push to not only modernise Mumbai’s port infrastructure but also to bring in sustainable and equitable usage of valuable coastal spaces. The projects aim to enhance the city’s resilience against climate change impacts by promoting electric transport, reducing carbon emissions, and revitalising heritage assets.
As Mumbai reclaims its eastern waterfront for modern, efficient, and inclusive infrastructure, the new marina could well become a symbol of the city’s aspiration to harmonise urban development with maritime heritage and green mobility.
Mumbai Waterfront to Host 400 Yacht Marina
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