Passenger Jetty project near Gateway of India gets Supreme Court go ahead

The Supreme Court of India today refused to block the passenger jetty project proposed near Gateway of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

A CJI Gavai led bench did not deem it fit to intervene with the Bombay High Court's July 15 decision dismissing three petitions challenging the project conceptualized by the Maharashtra Maritime Board. The high court dismissed three petitions challenging the construction of the ₹229 crore passenger jetty and terminal facility proposed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) near the Gateway of India.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta present before court for Maharashtra government, told the bench that the plea before it was a 'Not in my backyard' kind of a petition. "This jetty can be used now to reach Navi Mumbai, Mandwa..the time required would be one-third and the traffic would be reduced..this would also decongest the area..kindly see traffic stimulation study report..", the SG pointed out.

On the locus of the petitioners before court, SG submitted, "I am here for the entire Mumbai population..you are for a certain number of people who are against personal inconvenience...".

Senior Advocate CU Singh, for the petitioners argued that forty acres of land was being leased out for commercial gain. "You cannot have a VIP lounge, food courts and parking spaces...that does not mean it is standalone project..", court was further told.

The bench however was of the opinion that it did not have the expertise to decide on such an issue and the concerned bodies had already been taken on board.

Supreme Court in May had also refused to intervene in a petition filed by residents of Mumbai's Colaba challenging the Bombay High Court’s refusal to stay ongoing work for a passenger jetty.

"Why this not in my backyard behaviour...everyone wants a sewage treatment plant but not behind their home..there is also a proposal to connect Vashi people with mainstream areas and to connect Dombivali etc on the sea route", CJI Gavai had told the petitioners before him.

Senior Advocate Sanjay Hedge, appearing for the petitioners, had then submitted that the project aimed to create a private docking area for people taking ferries to Alibaug. In response, ASG Aishwarya Bhati vehemently submitted, "It is incorrect..the AG has clarified that project is for daily commuters..it was all over media reports...".

High Court through its order from May 7, 2025 had permitted the continuation of work at the project site. Observing that the project appeared to serve public interest, high court had declined interim relief to petitioners.

The project, located 280 metres from the Gateway, includes lounges, ticket counters, shops, offices, and parking for 150 vehicles. Petitioners have questioned legitimacy of multiple clearances, including Coastal Regulation Zone approval and NOCs from heritage and traffic authorities, citing lack of mandatory public consultation.

Case Title: DR. LAURA D SOUZA AND ORS. vs. THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.

Hearing Date: September 1, 2025

Bench: CJI Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran