Colaba residents seek traffic simulation study before finalising marina project | Mumbai News

Mumbai: Colaba residents have asked the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to conduct a traffic simulation study before finalising the marina at Gateway of India. After objections from residents, assembly apeaker and Colaba MLA Rahul Narwekar demanded that it be shifted to Princess Dock. In a meeting earlier in Jan, MMB CEO Pradeep P stated that the project is not feasible at Princess Dock.
Ports minister Nitesh Rane then suggested proceeding with the proposal after explaining it to the residents. Regarding concerns about traffic congestion at the Gateway, Rane proposed the idea of conducting a traffic simulation study. Residents, led by former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar, have asked the MMB to appoint a reputed and experienced agency to carry out a traffic simulation study to assess the potential impact of the proposed transport marina before any further decisions are made on the project.
Narwekar further reiterated in the letter to Pradeep P the need for the appointment of an agency to study traffic simulation. “The appointment of a suitable agency will be the first step towards this project. We once again assert that the marina is important, especially to avoid another tragedy like Neelkamal boat,” Narwekar added. The relocation of the marina was proposed after citizen associations opposed the plan at the Gateway of India, citing the existing tourist movement and traffic congestion.
However, MMB opposed the move, stating that Princess Dock already accommodates an existing fishing business and Ro-Ro services to Mandwa. Pradeep P said that moving the Marina project from Gateway of India to Princess Dock was not feasible since a large amount of fishing business is carried out at Princess Dock or Bhaucha Dhakaa, and the Ro-Ro ferry service to Mandwa also operates from there.
Pradeep P said, “Fishing boats are always anchored and stopped there. Also, the Ro-Ro ferry service is running from Princess Dock to Mandwa. Since the ferry boat is large, the turning radius required for that boat is large and only that much space is available at that place. Therefore, it will not be possible to operate a passenger boat larger than that place. Also, Princess Dock is coming under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA).”
Mumbai: Colaba residents have asked the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to conduct a traffic simulation study before finalising the marina at Gateway of India. After objections from residents, assembly apeaker and Colaba MLA Rahul Narwekar demanded that it be shifted to Princess Dock. In a meeting earlier in Jan, MMB CEO Pradeep P stated that the project is not feasible at Princess Dock.
Ports minister Nitesh Rane then suggested proceeding with the proposal after explaining it to the residents. Regarding concerns about traffic congestion at the Gateway, Rane proposed the idea of conducting a traffic simulation study. Residents, led by former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar, have asked the MMB to appoint a reputed and experienced agency to carry out a traffic simulation study to assess the potential impact of the proposed transport marina before any further decisions are made on the project.
Narwekar further reiterated in the letter to Pradeep P the need for the appointment of an agency to study traffic simulation. “The appointment of a suitable agency will be the first step towards this project. We once again assert that the marina is important, especially to avoid another tragedy like Neelkamal boat,” Narwekar added. The relocation of the marina was proposed after citizen associations opposed the plan at the Gateway of India, citing the existing tourist movement and traffic congestion.
However, MMB opposed the move, stating that Princess Dock already accommodates an existing fishing business and Ro-Ro services to Mandwa. Pradeep P said that moving the Marina project from Gateway of India to Princess Dock was not feasible since a large amount of fishing business is carried out at Princess Dock or Bhaucha Dhakaa, and the Ro-Ro ferry service to Mandwa also operates from there.
Pradeep P said, “Fishing boats are always anchored and stopped there. Also, the Ro-Ro ferry service is running from Princess Dock to Mandwa. Since the ferry boat is large, the turning radius required for that boat is large and only that much space is available at that place. Therefore, it will not be possible to operate a passenger boat larger than that place. Also, Princess Dock is coming under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Port Authority (MPA).”