Mumbai: Mumbai’s waterways and western waterfront could see a fresh infrastructure push, with the Maharashtra Maritime Board clearing key steps for the Mumbai Water Metro, work at the Radio Club and a makeover of Bandra Bandstand, while also approving repairs and strengthening of the passenger jetty at Mandwa.The decisions, taken at a meeting chaired by fisheries and ports minister and Maharashtra Maritime Board chairperson Nitesh Rane, are significant for Mumbai and MMR as the city looks to expand water-based mobility and improve public-facing waterfront infrastructure.Water Metro: tendering gets focusThe board directed that the tendering process for the Mumbai Water Metro be conducted in a transparent, rule-compliant and competitive manner. The project is envisaged as an additional water-based transport option for Mumbai and the MMR, potentially helping shift a part of passenger movement to waterways.The latest decision, however, is primarily an administrative push for the tendering process; it does not by itself mean that water-metro services are ready to begin. The pace of implementation will depend on the tender process and subsequent project execution.Bandstand to get public amenitiesFor Bandra residents and visitors, the board approved maintenance and repair works at Bandra Bandstand, including a garden, benches, an amphitheatre and other public facilities. The facilities can be provided through outsourcing.The project is aimed at improving a heavily used waterfront recreation and tourism zone. For citizens, the key issue will be whether the promised amenities are maintained properly and remain accessible and safe after implementation.The board also approved the issuance of a work order for the Radio Club project in south Mumbai and directed that the work be completed within schedule and to prescribed quality standards.Mandwa jetty: safety, capacity in focusThe Mandwa passenger jetty in Raigad has been approved for repairs and strengthening. The decision is particularly relevant to Mumbai–Mandwa passengers and the wider Alibaug tourism economy, with the board citing passenger safety and increasing traffic as priorities.The quality and timely completion of the strengthening work will be important for a facility that serves as a key gateway for visitors travelling from Mumbai towards Alibaug and the Konkan coast.Dighi gets shipbuilding cluster pushBeyond Mumbai, the board approved a greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dighi in Raigad, with tenders to be submitted by August 20.The proposed cluster is intended to attract investment in shipbuilding and related industries, provide common infrastructure and create employment. Its success will depend on actual investor participation, supporting infrastructure, clearances and timely execution.The board also approved the acquisition of land and an approach road required for the Goa Shipyard project at Satkondi in Ratnagiri, aimed at improving access to the project.Maritime Board seeks more revenueThe meeting also placed considerable emphasis on the board’s finances. Rane directed officials to prepare a structured plan to increase revenue by making better use of MMB-owned land and other assets.The board approved leasing out stalls and setting up stalls on its land, with instructions that allotment and lease processes should remain transparent and comply with applicable rules.Officials were also directed to expedite pending projects, tenders and administrative procedures and avoid unnecessary delays.For Mumbai and the Konkan, the decisions collectively point to a wider attempt to use the state’s coastline not only for ports and shipping but also for urban water transport, tourism, commercial activity and shipbuilding. The real test, however, will be how quickly the approvals move from boardroom decisions to projects that citizens and businesses can actually use.
