MUMBAI: The state govt has allotted Rs 229 crore for a passenger jetty near Gateway of India. “Work for a well-equipped jetty worth Rs 229.27 crore is in progress at Radio Club near Gateway of India in Mumbai for passenger transportation,” deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said in his budget speech on Monday.
Colaba residents had opposed the project, citing traffic congestion. They had asked the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to conduct a traffic simulation study before finalising the jetty at Gateway of India. Following the objections, Assembly Speaker and Colaba MLA Rahul Narwekar had demanded that it be shifted to Princess Dock.
In a meeting in Jan, MMB CEO Pradeep P stated the project was not feasible at Princess Dock. Ports minister Nitesh Rane then suggested proceeding with the proposal after explaining it to residents.
Officials said there was a misunderstanding among residents about the project which is not a marina but a passenger jetty. They said more than 500 yachts and speedboats are anchored off the Gateway, yet the iconic location lacked a proper jetty.
Meanwhile, a policy will be announced to provide financial incentives for modern, well-equipped boats to ensure safe travel from Gateway to Mandwa and Elephanta.
Pawar said construction of jetties at Dighi in Raigad, Vengurla in Sindhudurg, as well as Kalher Dombivli, Kolshet and Mira-Bhayander is in progress. Work for a floating jetty at Kashid will begin soon.
“The ‘Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy – 2023′ provides exemptions for port development in areas such as ownership charges, non-agricultural tax, electricity charges, and stamp duty. Industrial electricity rates have been applied for this sector. Passenger and port taxes have been exempted to promote passenger water transport and coastal tourism. Maximum duration of port agreements has been extended to 90 years,” he said.