September 3, 2025: The Supreme Court (SC) on September 1 cleared the way for the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal near Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India, dismissing appeals filed against the project. The court termed the plan a “policy decision” supported by all necessary statutory approvals.
The petitions, filed by Laura D’Souza and the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), had challenged a July 15 Bombay High Court (HC) order that upheld the Maharashtra Maritime Board’s (MMB) decision to build the facility. Representing the MMB and the state government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued for the project’s necessity.
The SC bench stated, “After taking into account all pertinent criteria, responsible authorities have made the decision. When a policy choice is backed by statutory permissions, we cannot sit in appeal over it.”
With this ruling, the long-running legal dispute has ended, allowing the project to proceed while following safeguards imposed by the HC. The Bombay HC earlier observed that development is not necessarily against environmental interests if carried out under sustainability guidelines.
Spread across 1.5 acres of reclaimed sea near the Radio Club, 280 metres from the Gateway, the terminal will feature a tennis racquet-shaped pier on stilts, VIP lounges, waiting areas, ticket counters, an amphitheatre, and parking for 150 vehicles.
Petitioners had expressed concerns that the project would damage the marine ecosystem, alter the heritage precinct’s character, and worsen congestion in the CRZ-I and CRZ-IV zones. They also argued that elements such as the food court and amphitheatre extended beyond the scope of a functional jetty.
The HC, however, upheld the approvals obtained from the Heritage Conservation Committee and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), with conditions. The amphitheatre will function only as a waiting area, while the café and restaurant may serve limited boxed food and beverages.
Authorities maintain that the new jetty is crucial as the current facility near the Gateway is overcrowded, creating safety and traffic challenges.
Source: Mumbai Live
