The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the construction of a Rs 229 crore passenger jetty and terminal near Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India, paving the way for the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to proceed with the ambitious project. The decision upholds the Bombay High Court’s July 15 ruling, which rejected three petitions opposing the development, affirming that the project falls within the government’s policy domain.

The bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, dismissed the appeal filed by Laura D. Souza, stating that the court would not interfere in governmental policy matters. The proposed jetty, spanning approximately 1.5 acres and located 280 meters from the Gateway of India near the Radio Club in south Mumbai, includes a tennis racquet-shaped structure on stilts, featuring parking for 150 cars, VIP lounges, waiting areas, an amphitheater, ticket counters, and administrative facilities.

Critics, including local residents, argued that the project would exacerbate traffic congestion in the already bustling area and disrupt the aesthetic and historical significance of the Gateway of India. Despite these concerns, the MMB defended the project, emphasizing its potential to boost tourism and streamline passenger ferry services in Mumbai’s coastal hub.

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The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant victory for the MMB, which aims to modernize maritime infrastructure in the city. However, local activists continue to voice concerns about environmental impacts and urban congestion, calling for greater public consultation in such projects. As construction moves forward, the jetty is set to reshape Mumbai’s waterfront, raising questions about balancing development with heritage preservation.

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