New marina may stay put near Gateway

Residents say 'no' to marina near Gateway

- Yogesh Naik

MUMBAI: The proposed jetty aimed at decongesting the one at Gateway of India in Colaba is facing strong pushback, but the proposal to shift it to a new location, not far away, might already be dead in the water.

Opposition to the jetty has come from Colaba residents, backed by Colaba MLA and state assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar. They say the heritage precinct, which draws throngs of tourists year-round and is burdened by traffic congestion, will be overwhelmed by such a plan.

Narwekar met with ports and fisheries minister Nitesh Rane in Vidhan Bhavan on Tuesday, and presented Princess Dock near Ferry Wharf in Mazgaon as an alternative venue. It's where the domestic cruise terminal is located and a new marina could even benefit from the existing infrastructure, Narwekar said.