Citing delays, Maharashtra Maritime Board ends Rs 196 crore Colaba jetty contract

Mumbai: Six months after actual work began on the much-hyped Radio Club jetty near Gateway of India in Colaba, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has terminated the around Rs 196 crore contract over delays and failure to adhere to timelines. MMB officials said new tenders will be floated and a contractor will be appointed soon. The jetty project faced a lot of opposition from local residents, with a section of the residents also moving the Bombay high court (HC) against the jetty construction. Officials said the jetty project was fast-tracked since it was part of the chief minister's 100-day programme.Ports minister Nitesh Rane said the contract awarded to RKEC Projects has been terminated. "There were significant delays in the work on the site. Since work can be carried out only during the fair season, we were expecting work to be carried out in full swing from Nov 2025 to Feb 2026, but deadlines were not met. The work schedule was not being followed. So, we have terminated the contract and we will float fresh tenders. A new contractor will be appointed soon," Rane said.Officials said the company has moved the court under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Responding to residents' objections, MMB officials said the project will be beneficial for both waterway passengers and Gateway of India tourists by segregating both. It will enable better facilities for the jetty passengers and at the same time enhance aesthetics and security of the Gateway of India by decongesting the site,The new terminal building was to be an 80-metre-by-80-metre structure, with a 350-person-capacity amphitheatre, berthing jetty, approach jetty, fire safety system, CCTV system, gardening and beautification.After objections, the jetty project received the green light from the HC. The court dismissed all three petitions filed against the project and issued clear directives to ensure compliance with several important conditions during its implementation.The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) also cleared the plan for the construction of the jetty. While giving its no objection certificate (NOC), the MHCC said the project would benefit both waterway passengers and tourists by segregating their movement and enhancing aesthetics and security of the Gateway of India. However, the MHCC raised concerns about potential traffic congestion on PJ Ramchandani Marg, as the jetty entrance abuts the road. The MHCC suggested introducing an additional layover/pickup-drop lane off the existing road to regulate traffic in a better way. It also asked MMB to take remarks from the traffic department to ensure better management of traffic and hold discussions with all stakeholders to finalise the detailing of the proposal in its NOC.
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