Mumbai to Alibaug has long been a tourist highlight, but the experience has been anything but exemplary. The long queues, the slight discomfort of not being able to get a ticket for the particular ferry, and other such nitty-gritty have been a bone of contention for a while. But with the new Colaba Passenger Water Terminal, all that will be a thing of the past.
The ₹229-crore project has finally cleared all legal hurdles after the Supreme Court approved the project. This means Mumbai is one step closer to a smoother, safer, and far more modern ferry service to coastal getaways like Alibaug, Mandwa, and Navi Mumbai.
What’s Happening at Colaba?
The new terminal is located 280 metres from the Gateway of India, near the Radio Club in Colaba. Designed in the shape of a unique tennis racket, stretching out over the sea, the project will cover nearly 1.5 acres on stilts, providing passengers with a proper, organized space to board ferries.
Some of the planned facilities include:
- A waiting lounge (with VIP section)
- An amphitheatre-style seating area
- Small cafés and kiosks for passengers
- Better ticketing and boarding systems
Unlike today’s chaotic experience at the old jetties, the new terminal will be purpose-built for comfort and efficiency.
Why Is It a Big Deal?
Supreme Court Greenlights the Passenger Jetty at Gateway Premises!
All petitions against the passenger jetty project near the Gateway of India have been dismissed today by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. A bench comprising the Chief Justice of India, Mr. Bhushan Gavai, and Justice…
— Nitesh Rane (@NiteshNRane) September 1, 2025
For years, the Mumbai–Alibaug sea route has been a favourite weekend escape. The problem? Infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with demand. On holidays, ferry boarding at Gateway can feel more like a mini festival crowd.
With the Colaba Jetty project, here’s what changes:
- Faster turnaround: Boarding and disembarking will be smoother.
- Less crowding: Dedicated spaces mean less chaos.
- Time saved: Travel time to Alibaug and Mandwa could be cut by nearly two-thirds compared to road journeys.
- Better safety: Modern jetties are built to higher standards, reducing risks during monsoons and rough seas.
What This Means for You
- Once operational, the Colaba Jetty will:
- Become the main hub for passenger ferries to Alibaug, Mandwa, and even Navi Mumbai
- Replace the older jetties near Gateway
- Make weekend getaways smoother, faster, and more enjoyable
For Mumbaikars, this is more than just infrastructure. It’s about reclaiming the city’s coastline and making sea travel a practical alternative to traffic-choked highways.
Discover more from How to Mumbai
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.