The construction of a ₹229 crore passenger jetty and terminal at Mumbai’s historic Gateway of India will move ahead after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking to halt the project. The apex court upheld an earlier ruling by the Bombay High Court, stating that the decision to proceed lay within the government’s policy framework and had been taken in the larger interest of the city’s mobility and transport network.
The new jetty, to be built on a 1.5-acre site around 280 metres from the Gateway, is part of a larger push by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to modernise coastal transport and ease connectivity between south Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Mandwa, and Alibaug. Officials argued that the project was necessary to address rising demand, with more than 35 lakh passengers using the four operational jetties annually, facilities that have become increasingly inadequate. Concerns raised by local residents and civic groups had centred around the potential impact on heritage structures, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability. The petitioners contended that the scale of the development — including car parking, lounges, and an amphitheatre — would overwhelm the fragile precinct surrounding the iconic Taj Mahal Palace and Colaba area. However, the Supreme Court noted that public infrastructure could not be stalled solely due to objections from a section of residents, stressing that the project was aimed at benefiting the wider city.
The Bombay High Court, while earlier permitting construction, had set limits to ensure sustainable development. It directed that the amphitheatre serve only as a waiting space for passengers rather than an entertainment venue, while a proposed café should restrict itself to providing water and packaged food. The state authorities assured the court that the project would be guided by principles of minimal environmental impact, monitored closely to prevent ecological damage. Officials defending the project highlighted its long-term benefits, particularly reduced travel time between Mumbai’s business districts and fast-growing coastal hubs like Navi Mumbai and Alibaug. The jetty is expected to complement future water-based transport networks, easing road congestion, cutting emissions from road traffic, and providing a more sustainable alternative for daily commuters as well as tourists.
Experts suggest that if implemented with strict adherence to environmental safeguards, the project could reshape Mumbai’s maritime infrastructure, creating a more efficient and greener urban transport model. The Maharashtra Maritime Board has also committed to phasing out existing smaller jetties as operations are consolidated under the new terminal, in line with naval directives. The Supreme Court’s clearance ensures the project will now proceed, marking a significant milestone in Mumbai’s efforts to strengthen its coastal transport system while balancing heritage preservation and environmental accountability.
Also Read : Air India Express Launches Direct Flights From Ahmedabad, Chandigarh To Bengaluru Strengthening Connectivity
