From port city to yacht hub? Centre approves ₹887-crore plan for world-class Mumbai marina, maritime tourism

The Union government has approved an ₹887-crore proposal to develop a world-class marina in Mumbai Harbour to boost coastal shipping, maritime tourism and waterfront-led urban development in the country’s financial capital, an official statement said on Thursday.

The proposed ‘Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina’, cleared by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will be developed in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening India’s maritime economy and creating global-standard tourism infrastructure.

According to the statement, the marina will be developed through a hybrid model. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest about ₹470 crore to build core marina infrastructure on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis, while a private operator will invest around ₹417 crore to develop onshore facilities.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that the tenders for the project have already been floated and bids are scheduled to close on December 29, 2025.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the project would help position Mumbai on the global maritime tourism map while advancing India’s blue economy goals.

“This approval marks an important step in strengthening coastal shipping and maritime tourism. The project will create world-class infrastructure, open the waterfront for public use, encourage private investment and generate new employment opportunities,” Sonowal said.

Planned over nearly 12 hectares of water area, the marina will have the capacity to berth 424 yachts of up to 30 metres in length. Marine infrastructure will include an approach trestle, piled breakwater, service platforms, pontoons and gangways to support safe and efficient yacht operations.

Onshore facilities proposed under the project include a marina terminal building, a Namo Bharat International Sailing School, a maritime tourism development centre, hotel and clubhouse facilities, a skill development centre, and yacht stacking and repair infrastructure.

The project is expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs across marina operations, hospitality, cruise services and allied sectors, while attracting private investment into coastal infrastructure.

The project would also improve public access to the waterfront and strengthen Mumbai’s position as a major hub for maritime tourism and cruise traffic, the statement said.