Mumbai’s proposed marina at Cuffe Parade has encountered another regulatory hurdle after the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) postponed its decision, seeking clarification from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) over a possible overlap with a planned bridge connecting Nariman Point and Colaba.
The issue was discussed at MCZMA’s 202nd meeting on September 24, where officials reviewed a fresh coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance application filed by Rashmi Development Private Limited for an inland water transport terminal and marina.
Bridge alignment holds up approval
According to the meeting minutes, the proposed bridge occupies the same or an adjoining location as the marina project. MCZMA had recommended the bridge proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on August 6, and it is currently awaiting consideration.
The authority has asked the marina developer to secure a no-objection certificate (NOC) or written clarification from MMRDA confirming that the two developments will not conflict. The marina application will remain pending until the required information is submitted.
Revised plan reduces construction footprint
The latest application follows the withdrawal of an earlier proposal after Rashmi Development requested changes to the project’s technical specifications. The previous application had been recommended to the Union ministry in July before the developer sought its withdrawal on August 25.
Under the revised plan, the proposed built-up area has been reduced from 35,000 square metres to 18,600 square metres. The building design has also changed from two basements and six floors to a podium, ground floor and four upper floors.
Marina to include multiple facilities
The development is planned to feature a promenade, immigration centre, jetty, yacht ramp, access road, breakwaters, navigational channel and turning circle. It also proposes an anchored cruise ship that would operate as a floating hotel, subject to a licence from the Directorate General of Shipping.
The developer has submitted a coastal regulation map and a report prepared by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Chennai. The report cited during the meeting stated that no mangroves were present near the proposed site.
Bridge aims to improve connectivity
The proposed 1.869-km Cuffe Parade–Nariman Point connector is intended to ease congestion in South Mumbai. It includes a 418-metre double-decker flyover and is expected to reduce travel time between Nariman Point and Colaba.
The marina’s next regulatory steps will depend on MMRDA’s response regarding the projects’ respective alignments.
Source: The Free Press Journal
