Colaba Residents Protest ₹229 Cr Jetty Near Gateway Of India, Citing Heritage Impact

A ₹229 crore project has triggered a storm in South Mumbai. Residents of Colaba, one of the metro’s poshest areas, are opposing the construction of a new passenger jetty near the iconic Gateway of India, raising serious concerns over traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the impact on the city's prized heritage site. The protest isn't just noise — it's well-organized. Public meetings, petitions, and appeals to top leaders have been underway. Citizens have found allies in BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, both of whom have expressed support for the locals’ cause. The jetty project, inaugurated in March by Maharashtra Ports & Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, includes a terminal building, berthing docks, a garden, and even a 350-seat amphitheatre. But residents say the location is all wrong. They’re asking the government to consider Princess Dock or Ballard Pier instead—locations that won't disrupt heritage or city traffic. As citizens rally to protect Mumbai’s most iconic waterfront, this battle reflects a larger urban question: where do we draw the line between development and preservation?