Elephanta jetty expansion obstacle: Pending ASI approval stalls tendering process
Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible solely via waterways, attracts approximately 10 lakh visitors annually, with boat ferries operating from Mumbai's Gateway of India throughout the day.
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MMB's objective is to expand the jetty to facilitate smoother passenger movement and enhance boat parking capabilities. Currently, six boats can be parked at the jetty.The planned expansion of Elephanta Jetty has run into a significant hurdle over permission required from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Dr. Manik G Gursal, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) said that an updated administrative approval for the project was recently secured, but the tendering process to appoint contractors can only be taken up once due permissions are obtained.
He also said that the shipping ministry has been written to nd has been asked to intervene and expedite the process for approvals.
Citing the substantial number of visitors the location witnesses, Gursal emphasised the importance of the jetty’s expansion. The proposed project aims to overhaul the infrastructure and develop additional facilities near the jetty. These include improved toilets, ticket counters and information kiosks catering to domestic and international tourists.
Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible solely via waterways, attracts approximately 10 lakh visitors annually, with boat ferries operating from Mumbai’s Gateway of India throughout the day. MMB’s objective is to expand the jetty to facilitate smoother passenger movement and enhance boat parking capabilities. Currently, six boats can be parked at the jetty.
Kifayat Mulla, secretary of the Gateway of India Jal Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha, acknowledged that passenger alignment and boarding at the jetty are currently manageable, though weekends witness substantial crowds. However, the association effectively manages the situation, foreseeing improved infrastructure as a means to provide more efficient services.
Currently, boat services from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves and Mandwa operate every 15 minutes, charging Rs 220 for deluxe boats and Rs 180 for ordinary boats per ferry round. Deluxe boats see more demand than ordinary ones.
While licensed boat service providers have permission to carry up to 100 passengers, around 80 boats ply these routes, accommodating 60-65 passengers per trip. Plans include introducing a third AC catamaran in January next year with open deck seating.
The association has also been trying to procure advanced boats with a consistent appearance so that visitors can identify them easily and reduce reliance on wooden boats discarded annually.
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