Minister conducts comprehensive review of Mumbai Port’s ongoing and proposed projects
During their visit to Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) last week, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Mr Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, were taken on a boat tour of the Harbour and given a presentation on the transformation of the Eastern Waterfront of Mumbai as a Maritime Business and Tourism destination, according to a release.
The discussion focussed on key projects under implementation and the two future major pathways for growth:
* The core port grows through offshore cargo growth of Liquid Bulk such as Crude Oil, POL, LNG, Chemicals, etc. at Jawahar Dweep and Pirpau, along with anchorage development in the outer harbour for solid bulk transhipment at anchorages. Mumbai Port targets to reach 150 million tonnes per annum by 2047. Key infrastructure projects like the Reclamation and Shore Protection at Jawahar Dweep, 22 MTPA Sixth Oil Berth at Jawahar Dweep and additional reclamation at Jawahar Dweep are important steps in that direction.
* Unutilised port assets on the Eastern Waterfront will be transformed to support Cruise Tourism, Maritime Business & Skill Development as well as the Blue Economy. This development is aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Cruise Bharat Mission and Niti Aayog’s MMR Growth Hub Plan, along with global benchmarks like UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In this direction, last year MbPA commissioned the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, which is India’s largest such infrastructure. It is now embarking on building India’s first & largest world class Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina at the Eastern Waterfront. The project, which involves a cumulative investment of INR 887 crore, will involve a hybrid EPC + PPP mode of development.
Adjacent to this, a world class sailing school, Namo Bharat International Sailing School, will provide sailing skills and give equitable access to water to all citizens.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Convention Centre will be developed on the Princess Dock with an estimated investment of INR 5,500 crore on PPP basis. The site will become a MICE destination – hosting national level business conferences and events on the waterfront.
The waterfront itself is being activated through a series of projects which started with the Domestic Cruise Terminal – a destination for key events in the city. It is now in the process of developing the RoPax Terminal at M-Shed and the Bhaucha Dhakka Glass House & Passenger Terminal. The New Fish Jetty at Mallet Bunder is being built for INR 132 crore (with support of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana) and is on the verge of completion, increasing fishing trawler capacity from the earlier 300 to 1200+. This project also separates the fishery traffic movement from the passenger movement. The area adjacent to it will be developed into themed streets to promote food tourism, such as open air dining, etc. The overall development will create a 3.5 km waterfront promenade for citizens and tourists.
Some other projects
The Mumbai Port Administrative Building, being developed at an estimated cost of INR 295 crore, will become an iconic presence on the waterfront.
The Shivdurg Tower by JNPA at Mallet Bunder will become an integrated maritime office complex housing Vadhvan Port as well as DG Shipping.
Additionally, the CGO Complex is being developed at Cotton Green to provide a world class facility at a common location for Central Government bodies.
Besides, Mumbai Port Authority is supporting state government projects like Metro Line 11, Orange Gate Marine Drive Tunnel Project and the Radio Club Jetty.
All these projects will bring in total investment of INR 22,672 crore and employment of 0.55 million, while developing 500+ ha built-up area for the Maritime and Blue Economy business and generating more than 25 million footfalls by 2047.
The visit of the Minister and Secretary concluded with an appreciation of Mumbai Port’s efforts and an assurance to support the vision of Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront transformation, said the communique.
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