Residents of Colaba have moved the Bombay High Court against the Maharashtra government’s plan to build a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the iconic Gateway of India. The Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), representing over 400 locals, filed the petition opposing the project by the state and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M. S. Karnik will hear the plea on Friday.
The petition argues that the proposed construction—situated 280 meters from the Gateway of India near the Radio Club—is illegal, arbitrary, and threatens the heritage character of the area. The plan includes an 80×80 meter terminal platform on stilts, featuring parking for 150 cars, VIP lounges, ticket counters, and a tennis racquet-shaped jetty extending 570 meters into the sea.
According to the plea, the project would require breaking part of the Gateway’s sea-side promenade wall for access, despite the area being a protected heritage site. The petitioners allege that the Mumbai Traffic Police granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) despite existing traffic congestion.
They also claim that the project was approved without public consultation or notice to residents. During the March 2025 ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ ceremony, the state’s Ports Development Minister reportedly stated the jetty would cater exclusively to VIPs, celebrities, and cricketers.
The petition highlights concerns over the visual and environmental impact, stating that the massive structure—spanning over 15 acres of sea—would “completely distort” the Gateway’s seafront. The CHCRA seeks to quash the government’s decision and has requested an interim stay on construction
