24.5.16

Somewhere in Mumbai....


The city's tourism industry is set to get a shot in the arm as the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has decided to overhaul the international cruise terminal as part of its port land development project.
The development project proposes to commercially exploit 400 hectares of the 710 hectare MbPT land. A land development committee under Rani Jadhav , set up by the ministry of shipping and ports, has recommended converting the waterfront into a vibrant zone with a world-class promenade, a marina, a floating restaurant and a Ferris Wheel on the lines of the London Eye along the 28-km coastline.
“We will take baby steps in the land development project.To begin with, we will revamp the international cruise terminal. Also, one berth in the terminal will be reserved only for passenger cruises,“ said Sanjay Bhatia, MbPT chairman. He added that the development plan will be finalized within 10 months. “We hope to execute the plan in two-four years.“ After the terminal revamp, the MbPT will focus on setting up a marina outside Victoria and Princess Docks or inside Princess Dock.
MbPT has a policy of giving priority to cargo ships over passenger cruises as the former bring in more revenue. “Cruise operators have to book a berth at Ballard Pier Extension six months in advance. Now, they will be given approval for berthing even one day in advance,“ he said.
Currently , 30-50 cruises arrive at MbPT in a year; the number is expected to rise by over four times after the new policy is implemented.
Bhatia, who gave a presentation on the port land redevelopment at a conference organized by the IMC in association with Apli Mumbai on Monday , said, “We will set up a department of port land development to oversee the work. MbPT, which will be special planning authority , will appoint a project management and implementation committee to ensure smooth execution.“
MbPT also seeks to strengthen its legal department to terminate expired leases.
“We need to integrate port land development with that of the city via physical connections. The development of fisheries, tourism, wellness and recreation are interlinked and can be simultaneously achieved through the development of port land,“ said Meera Sanyal, IMC chairperson, urban development committee.

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