Maharashtra govt to fast-track Worli jetty development, plans helipad

The Maharashtra government is accelerating the development of the Worli jetty to enhance water transport, emergency services, and tourism in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra government has initiated steps to speed up the development of the Worli jetty, aiming to boost water transport, emergency medical services, and tourism in the city, Minister Nitesh Rane said on Monday.

The process to appoint a Project Management Consultant (PMC) for technical approvals and environmental clearances is nearing completion, and expressions of interest have been invited to build a helipad at the site, the Fisheries and Ports Minister said during a meeting held at the Mantralaya.

Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Maharashtra Maritime Board Chief Executive Officer Pradeep P, and officials from concerned departments attended the meeting.

Rane explained that temporary jetties were constructed near the Amarsons Garden Interchange and the Worli Dairy area during the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road project to transport construction materials.

With the Coastal Road project nearing completion, the government is now considering using these jetties for water transport, emergency medical services, water ambulances and public transport facilities, he said.

To assess their viability, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) commissioned a structural audit through the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

According to the audit report, the Amarsons jetty is not suitable for passenger traffic. However, with necessary structural modifications, the jetty near the Worli Dairy area can be safely utilised for maritime transport and emergency medical services, the minister said.

Rane said the process for appointing a project management consultant (PMC) to prepare the pre-feasibility report, detailed project report (DPR), environmental clearances and other technical approvals has been completed, and the selection of the bidder is in the final stage.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) have also been invited from interested organisations under the public-private partnership (PPP) model for the development of a helipad at the Worli jetty, he said.

''The Maharashtra government is committed to making Mumbai's maritime transport system more efficient and modern. The development of the Worli jetty will not be limited to transport alone but will also strengthen emergency services, tourism and coastal connectivity,'' Rane said.