The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted conditional approval to the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal at the iconic Gateway of India in south Mumbai, marking a significant step toward modernising maritime passenger facilities in the city.
A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne upheld the Maharashtra government’s decision to proceed with the jetty project, observing that it aligns with the principles of sustainable development. The court concluded that the policy decision did not suffer from “arbitrariness, irrationality or non-application of mind.”
The project, undertaken by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, will include a new terminal platform, a parking area for 150 vehicles, a VIP lounge, a food court, a cafe, and an amphitheatre. However, the court imposed specific restrictions to ensure that the development remains utilitarian and does not turn into a commercial entertainment hub.
The bench clarified that the amphitheatre must be used only as a sitting area for passengers and not for any entertainment events. Likewise, the proposed restaurant or cafe will be restricted to providing water and packed food for passengers, and will not function as a full-fledged dining establishment.
The court also directed that, upon completion of the new terminal, the four existing passenger jetties—currently used by around 35 lakh passengers annually—must be phased out as per directions issued by the Indian Navy. One additional jetty used exclusively by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) will remain operational.
“In our view, the project meets the principle of sustainable development where the proposed development is being carried out with minimum damage to the environment,” the court observed, countering arguments raised in multiple petitions opposing the construction.
Petitioners had raised concerns about potential environmental harm due to construction activity near the Gateway of India, a heritage landmark and major tourist attraction. But the court emphasised that development, when done with regulatory safeguards and mindful planning, does not necessarily conflict with environmental protection. “Pursuit of development is not an affront to the environment when it walks the careful path of sustainability, guarded by regulations and reason,” the bench remarked.
The new jetty will serve as an embarkation and disembarkation point for ferry passengers traveling between south Mumbai and Alibag in the neighbouring Raigad district. Importantly, the facility will not be used for handling cargo or fish, the court noted.
