Mumbai's Jetty Project Near Gateway Of India Gets Bombay HC's Nod

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 17:47 IST

Several petitions had challenged the project, arguing it could harm the environment and affect the historic Gateway of India

Tourists are seen at the promenade of the iconic Gateway of India as a rainbow is formed on the horizon in Mumbai. (AFP file photo)

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday approved the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal near the Gateway of India in south Mumbai, subject to specific conditions to protect the environment.

A bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne upheld the Maharashtra government’s decision to proceed with the project, which aims to improve facilities for passengers travelling by ferry to neighbouring areas.

The court emphasised that the project aligns with the principles of sustainable development, stating, “The pursuit of development is not an affront to the environment when it walks the path of sustainability."

The judges placed restrictions on parts of the project to ensure it remains passenger-focused. The proposed amphitheatre will only serve as a seating area and will not be used for entertainment events. Similarly, a planned restaurant or cafe will provide only water and packed food to passengers, rather than operate as a full dining facility.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) must also phase out the use of the existing four jetties in accordance with directions from the Indian Navy once the new jetty is operational.

Several petitions had challenged the project, arguing it could harm the environment and affect the historic Gateway of India. The court, however, found that the government’s policy decision was rational and not arbitrary.

The project includes a terminal platform, parking for 150 cars, a VIP waiting area, the amphitheatre, a food court, café, and ticket counters. It will serve as a dedicated point for passenger embarkation and disembarkation without handling cargo or fishing activities.

“The objective of the project is to provide better facilities to existing passengers using the old jetties and to decongest the Gateway of India," the court noted.

Currently, five jetties near the Gateway are in use, one of which is exclusively reserved for the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). According to the Maharashtra Maritime Board, around 3.5 million passengers use the four public jetties each year, but these facilities have become insufficient to meet growing demand.

Ferry services operating from the Gateway of India connect south Mumbai to Alibag in the neighbouring Raigad district.

(With inputs from PTI)

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