Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to New Jetty Construction at Gateway of India

Fast Summary

• the Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the Bombay High Court verdict allowing the construction of a new passenger jetty and terminal at the Gateway of India, Mumbai.
• The High Court had previously rejected three petitions against the ₹229 crore project proposed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
• Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.Vinod Chandran ruled that the matter falls under government policy rather than judicial interference.
• The project, located approximately 280 metres from the Gateway of India, spans about 1.5 acres near Radio Club in south Mumbai.
• Planned features include parking for 150 cars, VIP lounges/waiting areas, an amphitheatre, ticket counters/administrative spaces, and a tennis racquet-shaped jetty built on stilts over water.
• concerns raised in the plea included potential traffic congestion affecting local residents.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes judicial deference to public policy matters when infrastructure projects are undertaken by government authorities such as Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). With its ₹229 crore budget aimed at improving connectivity via marine transport routes in Mumbai-a city known for its traffic congestion-this growth may enhance urban mobility while providing advanced passenger facilities like VIP lounges and recreational spaces.

However, concerns regarding traffic congestion shoudl not be overlooked as this infrastructure is developed near high-density tourist spots like Gateway of India and Radio Club. Careful execution with measures to mitigate disruption can ensure efficient use of public funds while maintaining community harmony-a critical balance for projects interfacing with heritage sites.

[Published – September 01, 2025]