Nitesh Rane says, 'Maharashtra speeds up Worli jetty development to boost water transport'

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane (File pic)

The Maharashtra government has initiated steps to speed up the development of the Worli jetty, aiming to boost water transport, emergency medical services, and tourism in the city, state Minister Nitesh Rane said on Monday.

The Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister, while addressing a meeting in Mumbai, said that the process to appoint a Project Management Consultant (PMC) for technical approvals and environmental clearances is nearing completion, and expressions of interest have been invited to build a helipad at the site, as per PTI.

Along with Nitesh Rane, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Maharashtra Maritime Board Chief Executive Officer Pradeep P., and officials from concerned departments attended the meeting.

Rane further explained that temporary jetties were constructed near the Amarsons Garden Interchange and the Worli Dairy area during the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road project to transport construction materials, reported the PTI.

He further added that with the coastal road project nearing completion, the government is now considering using these jetties for water transport, emergency medical services, water ambulances, and public transport facilities.

To assess their viability, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) commissioned a structural audit through the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

Amarsons jetty not suitable for passenger traffic

"According to the audit report, the Amarsons jetty is not suitable for passenger traffic. However, with necessary structural modifications, the jetty near the Worli Dairy area can be safely utilised for maritime transport and emergency medical services," the minister said.

Nitesh Rane further added that the process for appointing a project management consultant (PMC) to prepare the pre-feasibility report, detailed project report (DPR), environmental clearances, and other technical approvals has been completed, and the selection of the bidder is in the final stage.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) have also been invited from interested organisations under the public-private partnership (PPP) model for the development of a helipad at the Worli jetty, he said.

"The Maharashtra government is committed to making Mumbai's maritime transport system more efficient and modern. The development of the Worli jetty will not be limited to transport alone but will also strengthen emergency services, tourism, and coastal connectivity," Rane said.

(With inputs from PTI)