The Indian Navy has refused permission to the Port Trust to set up the terminal at Oyster Rock, south of Apollo Bunder near Sassoon Docks, on security grounds.
Mumbai Port Trust might have to dock its idea of an International Cruise Terminal.
The Indian Navy has refused permission to the Port Trust to set up the terminal at Oyster Rock, south of Apollo Bunder near Sassoon Docks, on security grounds. After the November 26 terror attacks, the navy is wary of allowing any activity along the coastline.
A Port Trust official said they had asked the navy to reconsider the decision. “The refusal is disappointing. IMS Vikrant will be kept at Oyster Rock and its helipad used for chopper services. And there will be tight security because the ship is a popular tourist spot. There should not be any problem if a cruise terminal is set up there,” he said.
Zebec Marine Consultants (India) Services Pvt Ltd in consortium with Dermello Ajamali and Partners, Florida, USA, had recommended the site for setting up of the terminal to the Port Trust. The US company has set up cruise terminals at New York and St Petersburg.
The Port Trust wanted to set up the terminal to attract global cruise liners and tourists. According to the report of the consultants, the International Cruise Terminal would cost an estimated Rs1,844 crore. It would be constructed on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis, with the private operator investing Rs1,544 crore and the Port Trust Rs300 crore. The Port Trust would look after the dredging, navigational aids and harbour security. And it is expected to get a revenue share of at least 10%.
The facilities at the cruise terminal would include a home port terminal offering a draft (depth) of 9.8 metre, a port of call terminal with a draft of 11.5 metre, baggage scanning, immigration and security checks. The terminal would remain closed during monsoons.
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