South Mumbai Residents Threaten Legal Action Over Proposed VVIP Jetty Near Gateway of India

Time is running out. At least, this is what the protestors who gathered at a public meeting at Real Party Hall at Colaba Arthur Bunder Road at 4 PM on Saturday, April 5^th, 2025, believe. The skyline of Colaba was built over time – stone by stone and voice by voice. 

It is this very same skyline which is at threat owing to the danger of the construction of the newly proposed passenger jetty being constructed near Radio Club which will affect the flow of traffic, especially near the Radio Club stretch and the iconic view of the Gateway of India.

 

To voice their opposition, residents have launched an online petition against the project garnering over 3,000 signatures. A special WhatsApp group has also been formed to organise peaceful protests, which has already been joined by over 2,000 members.

 

The petition, known as ‘Save Colaba: Stop the Jetty Project’ proposes that the jetty project is a mammoth 2-acre structure that will be constructed in a space that has no room for the same.   

 Wearing black t-shirts as a symbol of protest, this protest urges the authorities to reconsider or relocate the project to a different location where there is ample space for the same. 

The protest was attended by prominent personalities such as Member of the Lok Sabha -Mr., Arvind Sawant, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly -Mr. Rahul Narwekar, Member of the Maharashtra Assembly -Mr. Abu Azmi, former BJP corporator - Makarand Narwekar etc. showed solidarity in supporting this No Jetty Movement. This meeting has also led to Advocate Prerak Choudhary soon being able to file a petition in the Bombay High Court against the construction of the jetty.     

The Gateway of India is not only a historical monument but it is a prime symbol of Mumbai’s colonial history and architectural heritage. Construction of the jetty will only degrade its cultural value and tourist appeal. Moreover, the jetty construction will lead to damage to the marine ecosystem, maritime traffic and water pollution. 

 

The jetty will only lead to new vulnerabilities which may increase the misuse of infiltration or misuse; where the security around the Gateway has already tightened post 26/11.

 

Besides this, there are also many alternative areas which can be used for the construction of this jetty such as Princess Dock. The area around the Gateway is already congested – both in terms of pedestrian flow and road traffic. The new jetty that has been proposed will only intensify things, making them worse.      

Makrand Narwekar said the jetty would hinder the panoramic view of the Gateway of India. “Also, the last promenade available to citizens will become inaccessible due to the jetty,” he said. “Therefore, we are with the residents.”

Local resident Pervez Cooper said that their local MP Arvind Sawant had also backed the demand for relocation. “We have sought a meeting with ports Minister Nitesh Rane, which Rahul Narwekar has assured us he will arrange,” he said.

 

Jennifer Shetty, AGNI coordinator for A-ward, said, “This is a public movement to shift the jetty from proposed away. We are not against infrastructure development but there are numerous issues in the locality which should be addressed first. The stone wall near the Gateway of India is breaking and that should be the priority rather than a new VVIP jetty. The locality cannot be a tourist and transport spot at the same time.”

 

Rocky Lobo, a resident of Colaba, said, “We are already suffering from traffic and pollution. On public holidays, there is no space to drive to our homes and we are forced to walk in the locality. This is a heritage place and the construction of a jetty will damage the front-line heritage buildings including the Gateway of India. If you are not able to make these heritage structures again, at least don’t destroy them.”

“The project is arbitrary and unconstitutional. According to us, the jetty is being constructed for extreme reasons, which is to serve the VVIPs. We will request the court to grant a stay against the construction,” said advocate Prerak Choudhary, representing the residents.

 

Dr. Laura Dsouza, president of the Cuffe Parade Residents’ Association, said, "This is a clear example of citizens being bulldozed into accepting decisions made by officials without consideration for residents' concerns. The quality of life in this city is deteriorating rapidly."

 

Krishna Pawle another resident of Colaba, said, “Real development should aim to improve the local area and take into account the opinions of the residents. Such decisions should not be imposed without proper consultation. Let us not forget the 26/11 attack on the Taj Mahal Hotel, an incident still fresh in the minds of many. It seems the government has overlooked the fact that this is a sensitive zone and should remain a restricted area.”