MHCC approves passenger jetty at Radio Club, Mumbai

Mumbai's Heritage Conservation Committee has approved a new passenger jetty at Radio Club, located near the Gateway of India. This decision aims to separate waterway passengers from tourists, improving safety and aesthetics around the popular site. The committee expressed concern about possible traffic congestion on PJ Ramchandani Marg, since the jetty's entrance is near the busy road. They recommended adding a pickup and drop-off lane to help manage traffic better. The Maharashtra Maritime Board is tasked with coordinating with the traffic department and other stakeholders to refine the proposal. Officials from the maritime board believe the jetty will enhance facilities for passengers while also reducing congestion at Gateway of India. Recently, Ports Minister Nitesh Rane marked the beginning of construction after the state allocated Rs 229 crore for the project. However, some Colaba residents are opposed to the jetty. They have asked local leaders to pause the project, claiming the groundbreaking was rushed and their concerns were overlooked. They worry the jetty will have negative effects on the city’s infrastructure. The MHCC emphasized that while the jetty received approval from a heritage perspective, all other necessary permissions must be secured before construction can start. They also stressed the importance of maintaining the structural integrity of nearby heritage sites throughout the process.