MUMBAI: Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has invited domestic and international investors to develop a Rs 922.67-crore marina at Victoria Dock, envisaging a new hub for yacht berthing, sailing, marine tourism and waterfront hospitality in the city’s historic harbour.The Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina will be developed under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with a 45-year concession. It will cover a protected water area of 37.3 hectares, with 424 berths in Phase I and capacity for 604 yachts at full build-out.It may be recalled that earlier marina tenders, including those floated in 2019 and 2023 for Princess Dock, failed to attract favourable investor response. The 2023 tender deadline was extended, but the process was eventually scrapped after bidders sought a larger commercial land parcel than the port authority was willing to offer.Marine works already under wayMbPA has commenced marine works, including a piled breakwater with an approach trestle of around 150 metres, six piled service platforms, floating pontoons and gangways for approximately 424 berths, and capital dredging. The authority said environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances had been obtained for the entire project area.The concessionaire will develop the landside facilities, expand berthing beyond Phase I, and operate and maintain the marina for 45 years before transferring the assets to MbPA.Planned amenities include a marina terminal building, an international-standard sailing school, yacht club, yacht repair yard at Haji Bunder, dry-stack storage, fuel station, five-star hotel, tourism business centre, food and beverage outlets, retail zones, and a ground for boat shows and events.The development is expected to support marine tourism, sailing, yacht services and hospitality. However, the tender announcement does not specify a completion date or arrangements for public access to the proposed facilities.Highest revenue share to win contractThe tender follows a single-stage, two-envelope electronic bidding process. The key bidding parameter is the percentage of gross revenue offered to MbPA; the bidder quoting the highest share will be the preferred bidder. Applicants may bid individually or as a consortium of up to four members.The deadline for pre-bid queries is October 28. The first pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 30 and the second for November 25. Bids must be submitted by December 15, 2026. The request for proposal, draft concession agreement and feasibility report are available on the e-procurement portal.MbPA chairperson Dr M Angamuthu said the marina would open a part of the working harbour to organised marine tourism, sailing and waterfront services while keeping port operations and safety central to the project.The initiative forms part of the authority’s broader harbour and waterfront-development plans, alongside the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, water taxi network and heritage waterfront precincts. Its eventual contribution to Mumbai’s tourism economy will depend on phased execution, investor participation and demand for marina services.
