The Mumbai Port Authority has officially received five competitive bids for its ambitious Rs 887-crore Viksit Bharat marina project, marking a significant step forward in developing one of India's major maritime infrastructure initiatives. This engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode project represents a substantial investment in Mumbai's coastal development.
Investment Structure and Project Scope
Under the proposed financial arrangement, the Mumbai Port Authority will contribute Rs 470 crore toward the project's development, while the remaining investment will come from a private operator responsible for developing the onshore facilities. This public-private partnership model aims to leverage both public resources and private sector efficiency.
Strategic Location and Scale
The marina project will be strategically located to the east of 14 Victoria Docks in south Mumbai, occupying an impressive 14 hectares of water area. This prime location positions the facility to become a central hub for maritime activities in the region.
The marina's design will accommodate up to 424 yachts, each measuring up to 30 meters in length, establishing it as one of the largest and most comprehensive yacht facilities in the country. This capacity underscores Mumbai's growing importance in the luxury maritime sector.
Comprehensive Onshore Development
The project extends beyond the marina itself to include extensive onshore construction and management facilities:
- A 3,162-square-meter terminal building for passenger services and operations
- A luxury star hotel featuring 322 rooms across 27,000 square meters
- A 4,000-square-meter clubhouse for members and guests
- A multi-level car park combined with a tourism business center spanning 32,000 square meters
- A dedicated yacht repair yard and stack parking facility covering 10,000 square meters
- The Namo Bharat Sailing School occupying 1,060 square meters
- Various recreation facilities to enhance visitor experience
Bidding Companies and Timeline
Five prominent companies have submitted bids for this prestigious project:
- Cemindia Projects Ltd (part of the Adani Group)
- Larsen & Toubro
- RKEC Projects
- SCC Infrastructure
- Vishwa Samudra Engineering Pvt Ltd
Port officials have indicated that the bidding process will be finalized over the next three months, with project completion expected to take approximately three years from commencement.
Government Alignment and Economic Significance
The Viksit Bharat marina project has received approval from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, demonstrating strong governmental support. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Central government's push toward developing a robust blue economy, emphasizing sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
This project represents more than just infrastructure development—it symbolizes Mumbai's evolution as a global maritime destination while contributing to India's broader economic objectives through job creation, tourism enhancement, and technological advancement in port operations.
