Bombay HC To Hear Colaba Residents’ Plea Against Proposed Jetty Near Gateway Of India On May 2

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court will hear on May 2 a petition filed by Colaba residents challenging the proposed construction of a passenger jetty and terminal facilities near the Gateway of India.

The petition has been filed by the Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), representing over 400 residents, against the State Government and the Maharashtra Maritime Board. The plea was mentioned before Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M.S. Karnik by senior advocate Aspi Chenoy and advocate Prerak Chaudhary.

The residents claim the project, which is to be constructed approximately 280 metres from the Gateway of India and near the Radio Club, is “ex facie illegal, irrational, arbitrary and destructive of the heritage area”.

According to the petition, the plan involves a large tennis-racquet-shaped jetty and terminal platform that will include VIP lounges, waiting areas, ticket counters, administrative offices, and parking for 150 cars.

CHCRA argues that the project site is adjacent to the Gateway of India, a protected heritage monument, and alleges that a portion of the sea-side wall of the Gateway’s promenade will be demolished to make way for access to the terminal.

“To preserve the character of this Heritage area, building owners along the waterfront are not even permitted to make small changes to their frontages,” the petition notes. “However, the Heritage Committee has purported to approve this project, which will require breaking the wall and distort the sea front.”

The petitioners also contend that there was no public notice or consultation with local residents prior to the project’s approval. They question how the Mumbai Traffic Police granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) despite the area’s existing congestion.

Further, they point to statements made during the Bhoomi Poojan in March 2025, where the State’s Minister for Ports Development reportedly announced that the jetty would be used primarily by yachts of VIPs, celebrities, and cricketers.

Calling the project a threat to the city’s heritage coastline, the petition urges the court to quash the government’s decision. As interim relief, the residents seek a stay on the project’s implementation.