Maritime board’s marina plan at Haji Ali hits speed breaker

The state government’s plans for a marina at Haji Ali to cater to the demand for anchorage facilities for pleasure boats and yachts seems to have hit a snag as bidders are not showing interest in the project.

Sources from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) said expressions of interest (EOIs) floated for the project had failed to evoke bids from potential developers. They however added that EOIs for marinas at other sites like Bandra (four bidders), Versova (one bidder), Belapur (four bidders), Mandwa (three bidders), and Rewas (two bidders) saw a positive response.

The MMB plans to set up marinas, which are sheltered facilities for anchoring pleasure boats and yachts, at these sites.

Atul Patne, Chief Executive Officer, MMB, said that they wanted to tap into the demand for marinas and sheltered anchorage in Maharashtra, which has over 2,000 registered boats, yachts, and crafts.

“Since there are no marinas, others are not buying these boats…(construction of marinas) will develop this culture,” said Patne, adding that, now, pleasure boat owners pay hefty sums to park their vessels in private and unorganised facilities.

Apart from developing marinas at these four sites, the MMB will also develop facilities akin to “pay and park” services at different locations for these boats. However, unlike marinas, these parking bays will not have add-on services like restaurants and lounges.

At Haji Ali, the MMB will provide land and waterfront to the developers, who will have to provide berthing, shore fueling and other facilities. A senior MMB official said, they would soon scrutinise the responses to the EOIs and float tenders for selecting developers for the proposed marinas.

“After analysing the concepts and plans laid down by the developers for these sites, we will tender them out once the code of conduct for civic polls ends. This will also include Haji Ali. The Haji Ali site is good but slightly difficult due to a rocky terrain and open sea which may have led to a tepid response from bidders,” he said. A breakwater will also have to be constructed there. The official said they would also have to consider the alignment of the proposed coastal road while proceeding with the project. The MMB has land for marinas at all these sites.

These marinas will be close to Mumbai depending on their access to the harbour. The locations can be used for developing facilities like water sports, houseboats, cruise terminals and walkways. This is also expected to boost the development of ancillary activities like maintenance and logistical support, which will generate employment. In Mumbai, these marinas will help decongest the present anchorage near the Gateway of India, which is also a security threat considering the proximity with defence establishments.

At present, India has just one operational marina—the Kochi International Marina in Kerala.