MMB in cruise control to build jetty at Apollo Bunder

Boarding passenger ferries and alighting from them at the Gateway of India may soon become easier with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) planning a joint venture with the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) to construct a passenger jetty at Apollo Bunder.Presently, these ferries, which transport people from Mumbai to towns like Mandwa in Raigad and tourist hotspot Elephanta Caves—UNESCO World Heritage Site—are berthed at the Gateway of India. These vessels, which carry around 6,000 passengers daily, also ferry domestic and international passengers on board harbour cruises.However, officials say that these facilities are not entirely safe as passengers sometimes jump from one boat to another while boarding or alighting the vessels. These boats also lacks basic amenities."We are planning to develop the jetty at a site near Radio Club in a joint venture with the MbPT, as the waterfront is under their jurisdiction," MMB CEO Atul Patne said, adding that it could also be used for sea planes, hovercrafts and water sports in the future.A senior MMB official said modalities for the special purpose vehicle (SPV) were being discussed, and added that they are planning to secure funding for the aboutRs 175-crore project through the Centre's Sagarmala scheme.He added that while they have already obtained approval from Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for the jetty, permission had not been given for ancillary facilities like parking and restaurants."The project will not be viable without parking. We will approach MCZMA again," the official said, adding that the estimate for the project had increased to aroundRs 175 crore from about Rs 105 crore in 2009.Another MMB official said they had suggested a joint venture with the MbPT as otherwise, the port was seeking substantial water front charges. The facility is expected to have six berths for boats, with the possibility of more boats. "The project may include a breakwater jetty and terminal," he added.