With the monsoon intensifying in Mumbai, residents of Gorai have once again expressed concern over safety conditions at the Gorai Jetty, where expansion work is underway to accommodate higher passenger traffic and future Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services. While locals have welcomed the infrastructure upgrade, they say additional safety measures are needed to protect commuters during the construction phase.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) had deployed personnel last year to regulate passenger movement and prevent overcrowding at the jetty. Although residents had earlier reported the absence of these staff members, they say officials have now returned and are managing crowds at the boarding area.
“I travel every morning and evening and now see the personnel every day. They are doing a decent job managing crowds and maintaining order on the jetty and ferries,” said a Gorai resident, requesting anonymity. He added, “Most locals follow the rules, but some tourists don’t. It’s only one or two people at times, but they ignore safety rules while on board.”
However, residents claim the construction zone continues to pose hazards. According to Rossi D’Souza, a member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, metal barricades that previously separated the worksite have been removed in recent weeks.
“Earlier, metal barricades blocked access to the construction area, but they have been missing for the past few weeks. Workers have also tied ropes to machinery, and these are lying on the ground,” said D’Souza.
He warned that the ropes, used to secure equipment and boats during high tides and heavy rainfall, have become a tripping hazard for commuters rushing to catch ferries.
Responding to the concerns, MMB Executive Engineer Ajit Mohite said, “We will conduct a site inspection based on the concerns raised by locals and instruct the contractor to follow safety guidelines strictly. Project details will also be displayed at the site. We are committed to maintaining safety.”
Another resident, Karan Pandurangi, said slippery surfaces caused by rain and ongoing construction have made the entrance particularly risky, especially for children and senior citizens, and urged authorities to improve cleaning and safety arrangements.
Source: Mid-day
