Mumbai: The newly announced Rs 229-crore Radio Club jetty, to be built near Gateway of India, would be exclusively for yachts of VIPs, celebrities, and cricketers. Minister of Port Development Nitesh Rane confirmed the decision to the FPJ on Tuesday.

Rane said that the project is a top priority for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is personally monitoring its progress. The government expects the construction to be completed within two years. Despite protests from local residents, Rane conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for the jetty last week.

Suggestion Given By Speaker Rahul Narwekar

Speaker Rahul Narwekar, meanwhile, has suggested shifting the project to Princess Dock due to concerns over increased traffic congestion. However, the Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB) has deemed Princess Dock unsuitable for the project. In response, Rane assured that efforts would be made to address the concerns of residents and gain their confidence.

At present, all passenger ferries operating between Gateway of India, Elephanta Island, Alibaug, and other coastal destinations are anchored at the Gateway of India. The iconic location is one of the busiest tourist attractions in south Mumbai, attracting 35 lakh visitors annually, according to a traffic congestion report prepared by the Mumbai police.

Minister Nitesh Rane Highlights The Issue Of Congestion

Highlighting the congestion issues, Rane explained, “If a cricket star like Virat Kohli arrives at Gateway of India via sea, thousands of fans gather to catch a glimpse of him. The presence of VIP bodyguards and luxury vehicles further adds to the congestion. Hence, the state has decided to create a separate, well-equipped jetty at Radio Club for such high-profile arrivals.”

Govt’s firm stand When asked about the opposition from local residents, Rane said the project has received support from the Heritage Committee. He assured that shifting VIP yacht traffic to the Radio Club jetty would actually help decongest the area.

Safer services Beyond the VIP jetty project, the Maharashtra Port Department is working to modernise ferry services from the Gateway of India. Rane said that ferry owners are being encouraged to switch from traditional wooden boats to fiber boats, which are lighter, stronger, and allow for more frequent ferry trips.

To ensure passenger safety, ferry owners have been instructed to stock enough life jackets and strictly adhere to passenger capacity limits. The Port Department is also facilitating low-interest loans for ferry owners through the Mumbai Co-operative Bank, led by MLC Pravin Darekar, to assist in the transition to fiber boats.

Additionally, the state government is in talks with electric boat manufacturers to introduce eco-friendly, battery-operated boats in Mumbai’s waterways. Ferry tragedy In December 2024, a Navy speedboat collided with the passenger ferry Neelkamal, resulting in the deaths of 13 people.

Separate inquiries are being conducted by the Navy, Mumbai police, and the Maharashtra port department. Rane confirmed that an FIR has been registered in the December 2024 ferry tragedy, and the port department’s investigation report will be tabled in the State Assembly’s Monsoon Session in June.