Overview

• The Supreme Court declined to halt work on the Rs 229-crore passenger jetty and terminal near the Gateway of India and directed the Bombay High Court to expedite its hearing set for June 16.
• The Bombay High Court had refused interim relief on May 7, prompting residents to file a fresh Special Leave Petition challenging multiple clearances.
• The development plan includes lounges, ticket counters, retail outlets, office spaces, parking for 150 vehicles and berthing capacity for up to 20 boats.
• Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association and other petitioners argue the project risks irreversible environmental harm, increased traffic congestion and damage to adjacent heritage walls.
• State officials said seven key permissions have been secured since 2021 and that the jetty will ease daily commuting, citing the Mumbai Coastal Road’s reduced travel times as evidence of public benefit.