September 1, 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea challenging the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal at the historic Gateway of India in south Mumbai, paving the way for the Rs 229 crore project proposed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran upheld the Bombay High Court’s July 15 ruling, which had rejected three petitions against the project. The apex court said the decision lay within the government’s policy domain and could not be determined solely on the concerns of local residents.
Senior advocate C U Singh, appearing for petitioner Laura D’Souza, had argued that the project would worsen traffic congestion and overwhelm the Colaba neighbourhood. Other lawyers contended that the jetty’s scale was unsuitable for the area. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, countered that the project was “well thought out” and designed to serve the wider public by easing travel between south Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Mandwa and Alibaug.
The planned facility, to be built 280 metres from the Gateway of India near the Radio Club, will span 1.5 acres at sea. It will feature a jetty shaped like a tennis racquet, parking for 150 cars, VIP lounges, ticketing facilities and a passenger seating area. The High Court, while approving the plan, restricted the amphitheatre to seating only and ruled that the café may serve water and packed food but not operate as a full restaurant.
Authorities noted that around 35 lakh passengers use the existing jetties annually, rendering them inadequate. The new terminal will replace four current jetties in a phased manner. The High Court observed that the development adhered to sustainable principles, balancing growth with environmental safeguards.
Source: Economic Times
