Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront to undergo Rs 22,672-crore transformation

Mumbais Eastern Waterfront is all set for Rs 22672 crore maritime transformation with new marina convention centre cruise facilities and more planned as part of the developmentUnion Minister for Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday announced a Rs 22672crore plan to transform Mumbai Portrsquos Eastern Waterfront into a global maritime logistics and tourism hubThe announcement came after a detailed review of ongoing and proposed projects at the Mumbai Port Authority MbPAAn official statement said that the plan aims to position Mumbai as a leading maritime destination by 2047 supporting both port operations and urban developmentThe transformation strategy will follow strengthening core cargo operations andrepurposing unused port land for tourism business and public spaces the statement saidThe plan is aligned with national initiatives such as the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 Cruise Bharat Mission and NITI Aayogrsquos Mumbai Metropolitan Region Growth Hub Plan the statement saidBoosting cargo capacity to 150 million tonnesIt said that Mumbai Port aims to reach a cargo handling capacity of 150 million tonnes per year by 2047 mainly through offshore liquid bulk cargo includingcrude oilpetroleum products LNG and chemicalsUnder the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi India is moving decisively towards becoming one of the worldrsquos foremost maritime nations The Rs 22672crore transformation of Mumbairsquos Eastern Waterfront is central to that journey mdash strengthening maritime selfreliance expanding trade and tourism and creating globally benchmarked waterfront infrastructure The initiative aligns with the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat while establishing Mumbai as a global maritime and blue economy hub Sarbananda Sonowal saidThe key projects include reclamation and shore protection works a sixth oil berth with a capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum MTPA at Jawahar Dweep new anchorage facilities for bulk cargo and new marina and sailing schoolA major project is the Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina planned as Indiarsquos largest marina with an investment of Rs 887 crore It will be developed through a hybrid EPCPPP model the statement saidAlongside the Namo Bharat International Sailing School will provide structured sailing education and expand access to water sportsNew convention centreThe Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Convention Centre at Princesrsquo Dock is expected to cost Rs 5500 crore and will be developed on a PPP basis The facility will aim to attract national and international conferences and events strengthening Mumbairsquos MICE Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions sectorCruise and passenger infra upgradesMumbai Port is also upgrading cruise and passenger facilities includingRoPax Terminal at MShedBhaucha Dhakka Glass House and Passenger Terminal and Domestic Cruise Terminal for major eventsA new fish jetty at Mallet Bunder will be built at Rs 132 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana This will increase fishing trawler capacity from 300 to over 1200 vessels and separate fishing operations from passenger movement the statement saidAccording to the statement the surrounding area will include themed streetsopenair dining zones and public spaces and a 35kilometre waterfront promenade Institutional infrastructure will also be upgraded with new Mumbai Port Administrative BuildingShivdurg Tower at Mallet Bunder and Central Government Office Complex at Cotton GreenThese buildings will house key government offices and improve coordinationIntegration with city infrastructureThe Mumbai Port Authority will support major city projects including the Metro Line 11Orange GateMarine Drive Tunnel andRadio Club Jetty This will ensure the waterfront development is integrated with Mumbairsquos wider transport networkThe project is expected to generate 55 lakh jobs create over 500 hectares of builtup maritime and blue economy space and attract over 25 million annual visitors by 2047ldquoThe transformation of Mumbairsquos Eastern Waterfront is a reflection of PM Modirsquos longterm vision to place India among the worldrsquos leading maritime nations By integrating worldclass port infrastructure cruise and convention facilities modern fisheries skilling institutions and public waterfront spaces we are unlocking new maritime opportunities that will drive jobs trade and tourism Mumbairsquos resurgence as a maritime and blue economy hub will play a decisive role in Indiarsquos journey towards becoming a global leader in maritime services and logisticsrdquo Sonowal said