MPCB Grants Clearance for Passenger Jetty Near Gateway of India

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has officially granted clearance for the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal building near the iconic Gateway of India, paving the way for a key infrastructure development in Mumbai’s coastal transport sector.

The nod comes just a week after the Supreme Court refused to stay the ₹229-crore project, which is proposed to be developed near the Radio Club in South Mumbai’s Colaba area. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), which is spearheading the project, received formal approval from the MPCB on Wednesday.

According to an official familiar with the development, the MPCB’s clearance is a critical regulatory milestone that will allow the project to move into the execution phase. “This project is expected to significantly improve water transport infrastructure and ease congestion at existing jetties, particularly during peak tourist and travel seasons,” the official said.

The proposed jetty is part of a larger initiative by the Maharashtra government to promote sustainable coastal transport, improve connectivity between Mumbai and nearby coastal towns, and reduce the burden on road networks.

Environmental concerns had earlier led to legal and civic debates about the ecological impact of the construction, given the jetty’s proximity to heritage structures and marine zones. However, with the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to intervene, and the MPCB’s green signal, the project now has the regulatory backing it needs.

Once completed, the terminal is expected to handle thousands of passengers daily and offer modern amenities, ensuring a better travel experience while integrating with Mumbai’s larger public transport framework.