No security at ferry piers

Lack of security and frisking at ferry points like Ferry Wharf, Versova is a worrying factor for passengers who live in fear of a 26/11 repeat

Post the 26/11 terror attacks, security agencies claimed that strict vigil was maintained on marine activities around the city.
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However, that apparently does not encompass the passenger ferry services that transports people in and out of the city completely unchecked.


Passengers are able to walk in and out of the docks without being subjected to any security checks at Bhaucha Dhakka

The various points in the city like Ferry Wharf, Versova and Gorai that have private passenger ferry services have no security personnel in place to conduct passenger baggage checks.

When MiD DAY visited Ferry Wharf in South Mumbai, which has passenger services to Mora village in Uran Taluka of Raigad district, it was apparent that there are no police personnel securing the area. The situation remains same at Mora village as well.

A frequent passenger, on condition of anonymity, said, "I am a resident of Uran and have been coming to Byculla for work everyday for the last one year.
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To my best knowledge, I haven't seen anyone conducting luggage checks. The police is also absent in the area, which is worrying because terrorists could use this route to enter Mumbai."

The security situation was the same at Versova village, an exit point for Madh Island and Gorai, which ferries passengers to Manor.

Former IPS officer A A Khan said, "If police officials are not checking the luggage of passengers who take this ferry services, it is an issue of concern.
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But I also feel that both, the police and ferry operators should work in close coordination and keep a tab on who is travelling in the ferry. The police should also conduct random checks."

The Other Side
Additional Commissioner of Police (South Region) Naval Bajaj said, "From time to time, random checks are being conducted. Also, there are police officials in plain clothes who keep a tab on the activities of people coming to Mumbai through these ferry services."