Mumbai: BMC gets nod for Gateway revamp

The view of the Gateway was blocked on Wednesday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee has given its go ahead to the revamp of the surroundings of the Gateway of India. The BMC is likely to take up the project, which is estimated to cost Rs 20 crore, by next year.

Civic officials said the idea of revamp was conceptualised keeping in mind the security arrangements of the area, while still allowing tourists to get a clear view of the monument.

Currently, the vista of the tourist spot is blocked. Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray is keen to make it more tourist friendly.

In the proposal to the committee, the BMC had suggested demolishing the plaza building built 15 years ago inside the premises, and construct a new one elsewhere. It also proposed to streamline the entire surrounding without any ad-hoc placement of security tents that are temporary in nature. The shops would also be shifted to a different spot inside the premises. The civic body is likely to do away with the heavy barricading at the entrance, and replace it with something that would not spoil the beauty of the monument.

The MHCC's no objection certificate (NOC) has asked the BMC to maintain the vista of the customs building, which is a very old structure and a part of the original setting of the Gateway of India, but is not a listed heritage building. The NOC also mentioned that high-end security equipment should be used.

Currently, if one stands at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, there is no clear view of the monument and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. Thus, it is our aim to give a vista that can be watched from afar as well, civic sources said.

A senior civic official said, "We got the NOC from the committee on October 18. Now, we will be sending the proposal to all the concerned stakeholders - the archaeological department, Maritime Board, MTDC, Police and MbPT, to inform them about the plans so as to take the project ahead."

Rs 20cr
Estimated cost of the project