Pontoon to enhance safety for speed boats at Gateway of India

“The installation of the pontoon is part of our larger efforts to enhance safety measures at the Gateway of India. Additionally, RBYC is developing a software system that will facilitate secure passenger checks. Only those with authorised bookings will be allowed, ensuring greater control over passenger movement,” an official from the MbPA said.

The pontoon, now in place, is said to serve as a crucial safety measure for those embarking on speed boats. Previously, limited space at Jetty Number 5 created congestion and increased the risk of accidents. Now, with the ability to berth up to eight speed boats at a time, the loading and unloading of passengers will be quicker, safer, and more efficient.

Shahid Basheer, Commodore of the RBYC, “Now, with the pontoon, users will be able to board their boats with much greater ease.”

According to experts, the pontoon also allows better docking, enabling up to eight boats to be stationed at once — this was not possible before. The development of a security software system is also in the works. According to Basheer, the system will use QR codes to ensure that only authorised passengers can access the boats.

This is part of the broader safety protocol, aimed at preventing unauthorised individuals from reaching the access point. The RBYC had already been in talks with the MbPA about improving conditions at Jetty Number 5.

However, these discussions were ongoing before the accident that occurred at the Gateway of India on December 18, when a Navy speedboat collided with a ferryboat, leading to the death of 15 people. Only two survivors were reported from the six people on board the Navy’s speed boat. The accident sparked renewed concerns about the safety of operations at the Gateway of India, especially given the high traffic of speed boats and ferries.

Opening up about the commercial use of speedboats, an MbPA official clarified that it is not allowed officially. “Our officials are at site to check commercial use of speed boats is not done. Additionally, the police are stationed to check the commercialisation of these boats,” the official said.