Mumbai Marina project at Prince’s Dock to begin next month, target set for 2030

Mumbai: South Mumbai’s waterfront is set for a major transformation, with work on the proposed Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina at Prince’s Dock scheduled to begin next month. The targeted deadline is Dec 2030.The project, discussed on Friday during Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s visit to the city, forms part of an ambitious redevelopment and infrastructure push by Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) aimed at reshaping both port operations and Mumbai’s eastern waterfront.Planned across 4.2 hectares of land and 12 hectares of water area at Prince’s Dock, the marina is proposed to be developed through investment by MbPA and a public-private partnership route. Officials said the project is envisioned as a key element of Mumbai Port’s long-term waterfront development strategy, with a focus on maritime tourism, leisure infrastructure and reconnecting the city with its harbour.For residents, particularly those watching the gradual opening up of the eastern waterfront, the proposed marina signals another attempt to turn long-restricted port land into a mix of economic and public-use spaces.During the review meeting, Sonowal discussed a series of major projects spanning Jawahar Dweep, Indira Dock, Sewri, Cotton Green and Prince’s Dock.Among the key operational projects reviewed was the shore protection and development work at Jawahar Dweep, which has already been completed. Port officials said the project is expected to support an additional 2.8 lakh tonnes of crude oil storage capacity, while also generating direct and indirect employment through future project pipelines.Another strategic proposal under discussion was a sixth oil berth at Jawahar Dweep, planned to handle 2.8 lakh deadweight tonne Suezmax vessels. According to MbPA, the facility is expected to add 22 million tonnes per annum of crude handling capacity, strengthening Mumbai’s role in the country’s energy logistics network.The proposed 5km interconnecting trestle between Jawahar Dweep and Pirpau was also reviewed. Officials said the offshore link is expected to facilitate heavy cargo movement, support pipeline corridor requirements and improve operational resilience within the port system.Port operations and logistics upgrades formed another major focus of the discussions. MbPA said railway upgradation works, being undertaken with Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd, involve an estimated investment of Rs 300 crore. An infrastructure upgradation programme with IIT-Bombay, costing around Rs 500 crore over three years, will cover nearly 20km of road network inside and outside dock areas.The projects are expected to improve cargo evacuation, reduce operational bottlenecks and modernise ageing transport infrastructure within the port ecosystem. Also reviewed was the coffer dam removal project at Indira Dock, aimed at improving dock operations and navigational efficiency.For Mumbai’s fishing and harbour communities, the proposed New Fish Jetty at Mallet Bunder could prove significant. The Rs 132.2-crore project, funded by MbPA, is expected to support fisheries activity and strengthen the local harbour economy.Meanwhile, operations and maintenance contracts at Indira Dock have already been awarded, with Cluster 1 going to JM Baxi and Cluster 2 to M Dinshaw.Beyond cargo and maritime infrastructure, MbPA’s plans also extend to large-scale urban and public-facing developments along the eastern waterfront. Projects reviewed included the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Convention Centre at Prince’s Dock, an MbPA administrative building at Victoria Dock, a central government office complex at Cotton Green, Central Park at Sewri, and Event Bay, envisioned as public use and civic spaces.These projects are expected to play into larger conversations around the future of Mumbai’s eastern seafront, which has increasingly emerged as the city’s next development frontier following decades of limited public access.Speaking after the meeting, Mumbai Port Authority chairperson Dr M Angamuthu said the port was pursuing projects aimed at balancing operational efficiency with urban and maritime development. “Mumbai Port Authority is working on projects that will improve port operations, strengthen energy infrastructure, support waterfront development and create public facilities in the port area. The focus is on better use of port assets, operational efficiency, sustainability and long-term value for Mumbai and the maritime sector,” he said.For Mumbai, where the western waterfront has long dominated urban identity and public access, the proposed marina and associated port redevelopment projects represent not just infrastructure investment, but a gradual reimagining of the city’s relationship with its eastern harbour edge.