Invites bids for the appointment of a consultant to sketch out a master plan for development of its land
Mumbai: Mumbai’s coastline on the eastern waterfront from Colaba to Sewri is all set to change as Mumbai Port Trust has initiated efforts to commercially develop the area. Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), which is the largest real estate owners in Mumbai, plans to commercially develop the waterfront and the port land by constructing towers, world-class marina, cruise terminal, entertainment zone, etc in a phased manner.
In a bid to unlock the commercial value of its land assets, which is currently untapped, the MbPT has invited bids for the appointment of a consultant to sketch out a master plan for development of its land. “We have floated global tenders for a consultant for planning, design for the development of the port complex of MbPT. The appointment of the consultants will be done in two months’ time,” said Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, MbPT.
Of the total 752 hectares, 342 hectares can be commercially developed, while the rest will be used for port operations. “Initially, MbPT is going to only use 165 hectares,” Bhatia added.
According to the bid document, MbPT intends to develop a “landmark waterfront site that is comparable to with similar sites across the world such as in New York City, Singapore Marina.” Bhatia said that the site for the marina has not been decided yet, but it is believe that it will come up at Princess Dock.
A senior official said, “The population of the city has grown hugely and there are aspirations of the people to meet its needs for open spaces.” He added that the waterfront would have sea-front walkways, water sports, plazas, floating restaurants, cycling tracks, entertainment hubs, theatres, convention centre, marine museum, etc.
One of the ideas is to construct glistening towers that would compete with Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Construction of towers would help MbPT raise funds for the development of the waterfront. Apart from that it will help put up central government offices, which are currently scattered in the city and pay exorbitant rent.
