Mumbai Eastern Waterfront transformation to cost ₹22,672 crore, says Sarbananda Sonowal
Mumbai: The Centre on Thursday said Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront will undergo a ₹22,672-crore maritime-led transformation aimed at turning the area into a global hub for ports, logistics, tourism and the blue economy.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal made the announcement while reviewing ongoing and proposed projects of the Mumbai Port Authority. He said the Mumbai Eastern Waterfront project formed a key pillar of India’s long-term maritime vision up to 2047.
The minister said the redevelopment strategy focused on two parallel tracks. First, it aims to strengthen Mumbai Port’s core cargo operations. Second, it plans to repurpose underutilised port land for urban, tourism and business infrastructure.
Sonowal said the initiative aligned with the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He added that the transformation would boost trade, tourism and maritime self-reliance. Moreover, he said it would reposition Mumbai as a leading global maritime city.
The Centre expects the integrated plan to generate about 5.5 lakh jobs and attract over 25 million footfalls annually by 2047. In addition, officials said the projects would create more than 500 hectares of built-up maritime and blue economy space.
Mumbai Eastern Waterfront projects target ports, tourism and MICE growth
The Mumbai Eastern Waterfront plan includes large-scale redevelopment of port land to support cruise tourism, maritime businesses and skilling activities. Officials said the programme aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Cruise Bharat Mission and NITI Aayog’s Mumbai Metropolitan Region Growth Hub Plan.
Mumbai Port aims to raise its cargo handling capacity to 150 million tonnes per annum by 2047. The expansion will rely mainly on offshore liquid bulk cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products, LNG and chemicals. Key projects include a 22 MTPA sixth oil berth at Jawahar Dweep, new anchorage facilities and shore protection works.
A major anchor project is the Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina, proposed at a cost of ₹887 crore. The marina will be developed through a hybrid EPC–PPP model. Alongside it, the Namo Bharat International Sailing School will promote sailing education and public access to water sports.
The redevelopment also features a ₹5,500-crore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Convention Centre at Princes’ Dock. The proposed facility aims to strengthen Mumbai’s MICE ecosystem by hosting large national and international events.
Other projects include new cruise and passenger terminals, a ₹132-crore fish jetty at Mallet Bunder and a 3.5-kilometre continuous waterfront promenade. The plan also covers new administrative buildings and a central government office complex at Cotton Green.
Sonowal said Mumbai Port Authority was supporting major state infrastructure works, including Metro Line 11 and the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Tunnel. He said the coordinated approach would integrate port-led development with Mumbai’s wider urban mobility network.
