Mumbai could soon get a dedicated berthing facility for private yachts, speedboats and recreational vessels, with the Maharashtra Maritime Corporation beginning work on a proposal for a floating jetty and marina at Nariman Point.
The initiative is being promoted by Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane as part of the state’s broader plan to develop Mumbai into an international marine tourism destination. The proposed facility is also expected to help address the limited availability of dedicated marina infrastructure for private boats in the city.
At present, jetties around the Gateway of India serve multiple purposes, including passenger movement, tourism operations and private boats. The overlapping use has resulted in congestion and operational challenges, particularly for yacht owners and operators.
Marina to Offer More Than Berthing
The Nariman Point proposal is expected to include facilities beyond boat berthing. Plans reportedly include a yacht club, restaurant, café, exhibition and seminar spaces, along with other tourism-oriented amenities.
The project is likely to be developed through a public-private partnership model. Preliminary estimates put the marine component at around Rs 243 crore, while land-based facilities are estimated to cost approximately ₹15 crore.
The state government is also expected to shift its ministry offices to the nearby Air India building, adding to the strategic importance of the Nariman Point location.
Proposal Has Been Considered Earlier
The idea of developing a marina in the Nariman Point area is not entirely new. A jetty project near the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) has previously featured among investment proposals under the Centre’s Sagarmala programme.
Mumbai’s revised Development Plan also provides for a marina along the Nariman Point-Cuffe Parade waterfront.
Before implementation, the proposed project will have to undergo detailed assessments covering environmental clearances, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) provisions, traffic impact, coastal safety and public access. The Maharashtra Maritime Corporation is examining these requirements as part of the project planning process.
Potential Boost to Water Connectivity
The proposed marina could provide easier access for private boat owners travelling towards destinations such as Alibaug, Rewas-Mandwa and Uran, potentially making sea-based travel more convenient from South Mumbai.
The project also fits into Maharashtra’s wider efforts to expand water transport in Mumbai. A study is underway to examine possible water-based connections between several locations along the city’s western coastline, including Nariman Point.
If the required technical studies and approvals are completed, the floating jetty could add a new layer to Mumbai’s waterfront infrastructure, combining marine tourism, private boating and expanded water connectivity.
For a city with an extensive coastline but limited dedicated marina infrastructure, the Nariman Point proposal could represent an important step towards creating a more organised and modern recreational boating ecosystem.
Source: Loksatta
Pic Credit: The Free Press Journal
