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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Big water transport infra can be ready in 28 months: Report
Mumbai: The ambitious plan to commission 10 passenger waterways using 75 green boats and 29 passenger jetty terminals in and around Mumbai can be made operational in 28 months once the contract is awarded by securing required permissions, says a report of consultants appointed to do a feasibility study. The network will have a capacity for 1.63 lakh boat trips in a year, to carry nearly 1-1.63 crore passengers by 2031 considering a minimum capacity of 100 per boat. The report suggests that route No.6 i.e Vasai-Marve-Nariman Point (61 km) is potentially the most viable followed by route 9 i.e Belapur-Gateway-Mandwa (38km) connecting Navi Mumbai and the new airport to Mumbai and Alibaug. Vasai-Mira Bhayandar-Gaimukh-Nagale (17 km) and Kalher-Kolshet-Mulund-Airoli-Vashi-Gateway (50km) are seen as the next most viable routes which can ensure an internal rate of return of 20%. Except routes 1, 8 and 10, all are expected to be potentially viable. For route 7, a viability gap fund of 60% has been suggested in the feasibility report by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMLR), a partner in the consortium running the Kochi Water Metro. State ports and waterways minister Nitesh Rane has, however, directed the state maritime authority, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to ensure more jetties at Juhu, Bandra, Versova, Mahim, Worli and Kandivli to attract Mumbaikars towards water transport. Based on the study, a final DPR (detailed project report) will be made by MMB before tendering the work to private parties. It will take at least a year to prepare a DPR, secure clearances and award the contract, the report said. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with a projected population of 26.91 million by 2025, spans 6,328 sq km and has a network of 9 major rivers, creeks and coastlines around it. As part of the study, KMLR and MMB teams spoke to boat operators to understand the impediments they faced. According to them, non-profitability on certain routes, difficulties in operation due to tidal variations, siltation on navigation channels due to poor dredging, lack of infrastructure, seasonal interruptions due to rough weather especially during monsoons, and the presence of fishing nets in the sea were the major impediments in making their operations viable. Former additional transport commissioner Satish Sahasrabudhe said water transport will have to be synchronised with transport modes such as metro, locals, buses and taxis. "Last mile connectivity and 24x7 operations throughout the year without monsoon breaks will decide the success of water transport," he said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Maritime boost: India's largest port project eyes raising $ 3.5 billion debt; Vadhvan gears up for global trade role
In a major push for India's port and maritime sector, Vadhvan Port Project Ltd, the firm behind what is set to become the country's largest port—is gearing up to raise up to Rs 300 billion (approximately $3.5 billion) in debt, presenting lenders with a rare long-term investment opportunity. The Vadhvan Port Project Ltd, located just north of Mumbai, is being steered by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), which holds a 74% stake, alongside the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), which owns the remaining 26%, Bloomberg reported. 'We have started the process of raising debt which will happen in two phases,' said Unmesh Sharad Wagh, chairman of JNPA and managing director of Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. The proposed borrowings will span tenors of 15 to 20 years, and the firm is considering both onshore and offshore markets for raising funds. The $9 billion mega-port, for which Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone last year, is expected to be completed by the end of the decade. Once operational, it will have the capacity to handle 23 million container units annually, making it one of the world's ten largest ports, project backers claim. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kanada'daki 350.000 yeni nitelikli göçmenden biri olun Canada Immigration Express Şimdi başvur Undo For the first phase of funding, IDBI Capital has been appointed as an advisor to help line up long-term lenders, with a target of at least ₹220 billion. A request for proposals is expected to be floated between October and December this year. The funds will be disbursed over the next five years. In addition to the debt, JNPA and MMB will inject approximately Rs130 billion in equity. The project team is also engaging with multilateral agencies and has begun work on reclaiming 1,200 hectares of land. With a natural draft of 20 metres, Vadhvan Port will be capable of hosting the world's largest container ships — a key shortcoming of India's current port infrastructure that has forced some vessels to bypass the country entirely. Vadhvan is also expected to play a pivotal role in the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, a strategic economic initiative to create a robust trade link connecting Asia, the Gulf and Europe. The port's development aligns with the Modi government's broader push to strengthen maritime infrastructure. In February's budget, the Centre proposed a dedicated Maritime Development Fund aimed at supporting the sector with financial assistance through equity or debt instruments. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
29 terminals and 10 routes proposed for water metro project
Mumbai: The water metro development plan proposed for Mumbai region by the consultants — Kochi Water Metro — on Monday suggested setting up of a total of 29 terminals and has identified 10 routes, with suggestions to further expand them. The project will also include passenger amenities at jetty terminals, boat procurement, and other facilities. "The Water Metro project is significant in developing an alternative transport system in Mumbai, and its work should begin at the earliest. Additionally, the final development plan for the Water Metro by the state, mainly the MMB, should be submitted within three months," instructed fisheries and ports minister Nitesh Rane soon after state consultants submitted their report to him. Rane instructed that jetties and metro terminals should be developed similar to land metro stations and be integrated with other modes of transport. An estimated budget of Rs 2,500 crore has been projected for the entire project. The Water Metro is expected to significantly reduce travel time in Mumbai, besides decongesting trains, buses and road traffic. The task of conducting a feasibility study for starting a Water Metro in Mumbai was assigned to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The presentation of their report was made at the Mantralaya. Rane was speaking during this event. Present on the occasion were P. Pradeep, CEO of Maharashtra Maritime Board, Administrative Officer Pradeep Badiye, and officials from Kochi Metro Rail Company. Highlighting the vast opportunities for water transport in Mumbai, Rane said there is significant scope, especially in areas like Bandra, Worli, Versova, South Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai. "These opportunities should be thoroughly considered while selecting routes for the Water Metro. Routes with maximum passenger potential and maximum benefit should be chosen. While deciding ticket fares, it should be ensured they remain affordable," he added. "The Water Metro will prove to be a good option for commuting from North Mumbai to South Mumbai and from Navi Mumbai to South Mumbai," he said.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Colaba residents renew legal challenge to jetty project near Gateway of India
MUMBAI: The Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) has filed a rejoinder—a formal reply to a previous statement—before the Bombay High Court, challenging the Maharashtra Maritime Board's (MMB) plan to build a passenger jetty and terminal near the Gateway of India. Represented by CHCRA president Subhash Motwani, the association argues that the proposed 15-acre project violates environmental regulations and undermines heritage conservation norms. The site falls within the ecologically sensitive Coastal Regulation Zone-I and IV (CRZ-I and CRZ-IV) and is located in the buffer zone of the Gateway of India, a Grade I heritage monument. The proposed terminal features a sprawling, tennis racquet-shaped jetty, complete with VIP lounges, restaurants, an amphitheatre, and a sewage treatment plant—facilities the residents claim are excessive and environmentally damaging. CHCRA points to a 2000 study by Howe India (P) Ltd., commissioned by the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), which had rejected the same location due to poor accessibility and environmental risks. The study instead recommended Ferry Wharf—a dock in Mazgaon historically used for passenger services—as a more suitable site. The recommendation was accepted by both the MbPT and the state government at the time. However, the MMB revived the Colaba site proposal in 2014 and again in 2022 without conducting fresh feasibility studies or referring to the earlier expert findings. The residents have also raised serious concerns about the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, calling them flawed and misleading. The reports, they say, misstate critical site details, ignore the impact on marine ecology, and fail to address the visual and cultural significance of the Gateway of India. In its affidavit, CHCRA has criticised the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for approving the project under the category of a 'standalone jetty'—a classification that typically excludes terminals with commercial amenities. The association contends this is a deliberate mischaracterisation intended to sidestep stricter environmental clearance processes. Further, CHCRA alleges that the approval process lacked public transparency, bypassing mandatory hearings and community notifications, thereby violating environmental due process. In its rejoinder, the association argues that MMB has failed to justify the change in site or address concerns about traffic congestion, ecological harm, and the visual degradation of Mumbai's historic waterfront. The petition also invokes Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, arguing that the project infringes on citizens' fundamental rights to a clean environment and heritage protection. Although preliminary piling has begun—with two steel piles already driven into the seabed—major construction is yet to start. The petitioners maintain that the project is not 'well underway' as claimed by MMB. They further argue that the planned 64,000 sq ft development—with its cafés, lounges, parking spaces, and large reclaimed sea area—goes far beyond the scope of a standalone jetty and requires full-scale environmental clearance. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of a new traffic impact assessment, especially given the persistent congestion on PJ Ramchandani Marg, the narrow road leading to the Gateway. The heritage NOC (No Objection Certificate), the petition says, fails to consider the visual intrusion on the iconic monument and its surroundings. CHCRA also questions the need for enclosing large stretches of the sea and warns that piling vibrations may damage nearby heritage structures. Advocate Prerak Choudhary, representing CHCRA. 'We have filed our rejoinder in response to the Maharashtra Maritime Board's affidavit. Since the matter is sub judice, we will present our full arguments before the court.' The next hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Third petition filed in HC opposing proposed jetty project at Radio Club
MUMBAI: A third petition has been filed in the Bombay high court opposing the proposed jetty project and terminal facilities near Radio Club at Apollo Bunder even as the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) asked the court to not entertain such petitions, claiming the project aims to relieve the burden on the existing jetties. The petition, filed on June 9 by Shabnam Minwalla, an author and journalist, said that the construction of the jetty and terminal facilities would have a negative impact on the area and cause grave harm to local residents. She said that the project was not only illegal, but violated the constitutional rights of local residents, and should not be permitted. The petition challenged the construction of the jetty which will allegedly decongest the Gateway of India. On the other hand, an affidavit filed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) on June 7 claimed that the petitioners have ignored the larger public interest and are opposing the project based on their perceived personal inconvenience. The project seeks to address a long-standing need for a safe, modern, and well-equipped jetty facility that would improve connectivity between the mainland and other areas including, Navi Mumbai, Mandwa or Alibaug, Elephanta Island, etc and decongest the existing jetties at the Gateway of India monument. Stating that the existing jetty facilities are inadequate, the MMB said that the new project will not only improve connectivity and cater to the increased demand for water transport services from the mainland to other areas but will also decongest the crowd and road traffic at the Gateway of India monument. The MMB said that the petitions filed by the residents have failed to establish how this development will cause them any direct legal harm or violate their fundamental rights. The MMB added that after the navy refused to clear the proposal to construct a floating jetty pontoon at the Gateway of India, it suggested constructing a jetty near Radio club at Apollo Bunder. Following that, the MMB examined other locations too before proposing the passenger jetty with additional facilities near Radio Club. Minwalla's petition highlighted that the project had not been cleared under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and added that approval of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019 by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) was invalid. The petition said that this new project would put more load on the already crumbling infrastructure in the area. 'The project contemplates the operation of a large jetty with a capacity of 20 berths in the midst of a primarily residential and already congested area. It will increase congestion, traffic, noise, and pollution in the area,' it said. The petition cited Supreme Court orders and said principles of sustainable development, the doctrine of public trust, and the precautionary principle, are part of the law and must be followed in matters of town planning and urban development. 'The project will diminish the grandeur and visual spectacle of the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Hotel in particular, and the Apollo Bunder promenade and sea-facing structures in general,' it added. Minwalla asked the Bombay high court to intervene and stop the construction of the project and put a hold on the permissions given to the project so far. The court is set to hear the matter along with the other two petitions on June 16. Replying to the MMB, Melwyn Fernandes, a Thane based social activist, said, 'The whole world will not come and knock on the door of this court and have the capacity to fight with the present dictatorship government's infrastructure projects.' Fernandes said that such projects were objectionable, unnecessary, and had not considered local citizens, Indian heritage, and environmental spaces. He added, 'Only a handful, the economically sound people can come to this court on behalf of 100% citizens of this country.'
