**Bombay High Court Approves Colaba Jetty Construction with Conditions**
The Bombay High Court has dismissed petitions opposing the construction of a new jetty at Colaba in South Mumbai, while issuing specific directives to ensure the facilities serve only passenger convenience. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, determined that the project is a well-thought-out initiative aimed at addressing safety and security concerns associated with the five outdated jetties currently serving 30-35 lakh passengers annually at the Gateway of India.
The proposed “Passenger Jetty and Terminal Facilities” will feature an 80 x 80 meter terminal platform, parking for 150 cars, a VIP waiting area, a food court, a café, and ticket counters. The terminal will be elevated 4.5 meters above road level, with a 250-foot seaside frontage. Additionally, the design includes a tennis racquet-shaped jetty extending 570 meters into the sea, with 10 boarding platforms and an open-air amphitheater.
The court emphasized that facilities like the amphitheater and café are ancillary to the main project and must solely support the jetty’s functionality. The amphitheater is prohibited from being used for entertainment, and the café will only provide water and packaged food, without dining services. The bench also highlighted that no sewage treatment plant is included in the project, stressing that operations should not harm the environment.
Furthermore, the court directed the State to ensure that the existing jetties near the Gateway are decommissioned following the new jetty’s completion, as mandated by the Indian Navy. The petitions were filed by the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) and other local residents, who raised concerns about environmental impacts, traffic congestion, and limited public access to the heritage site.
Maharashtra Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf defended the project, arguing that the existing jetties are outdated and require replacement to enhance passenger experience.
**FAQ**
**Q: What are the main features of the new jetty at Colaba?**
A: The new jetty will include a terminal platform, parking for 150 cars, a VIP waiting area, a food court, a café, and a tennis racquet-shaped jetty with boarding platforms, all designed to enhance passenger convenience while addressing safety concerns.
