The Bombay High Court on Tuesday gave the green light for the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal at the Gateway of India in south Mumbai, while imposing specific restrictions to ensure sustainable development and environmental safeguards.
A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne upheld the Maharashtra government’s decision to proceed with the project, dismissing a batch of petitions that had raised environmental concerns about the construction near the iconic monument.
Strict Conditions On Amphitheatre & Food Facilities
While approving the plan, the court restricted the use of the proposed amphitheater. It ruled that the space must serve solely as a sitting area for passengers and not be used for entertainment events.
Similarly, the planned cafe or restaurant will be allowed only to serve water and pre-packaged food to passengers, and not operate as a full-fledged dining facility.
“The amphitheatre is to be used as a sitting area and not as a place of entertainment,” the court noted. It also clarified that the restaurant “shall only provide water and packed food” and is not intended for public dining.
Gradual Decommissioning Of Old Jetties
The court directed the Maharashtra Maritime Board to ensure that the existing four passenger jetties, some of which have been operational for nearly a century, are phased out post-completion of the new facility. This will be done in accordance with the Indian Navy’s directions.
Presently, five jetties are functional at the Gateway, with one being reserved exclusively for the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The rest handle an estimated 35 lakh passengers annually, primarily ferrying them between Mumbai and Alibag in Raigad district.
Sustainable Development Emphasized
The bench ruled that the project aligns with the principle of sustainable development and found no arbitrariness in the government’s policy decision. “In our view, the project meets the principle of sustainable development where the proposed development is being carried out with minimum damage to the environment,” the court said.
It added, “Pursuit of development is not an affront to the environment when it walks the careful path of sustainability, guarded by regulations and reason.”
Project Details
The plan includes a new terminal platform, VIP waiting lounge, parking for 150 vehicles, ticketing counters, a food court, and other passenger amenities. The court clarified that the jetty would not handle cargo or fish but serve only for embarkation and disembarkation of passengers.
The ruling paves the way for modernizing ferry services while preserving the heritage and ecological balance of the Gateway of India area.
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