The Union government has approved plans to develop a world-class marina at Mumbai Harbour at an estimated cost of Rs 8.87 billion, a move expected to give a strong push to coastal shipping, maritime tourism and waterfront-led urban development in India’s financial capital.

The proposed Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina has been cleared by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create global-standard tourism destinations and strengthen the maritime economy.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the approval marks an important step in strengthening coastal shipping and maritime tourism. He said the project would create world-class infrastructure, open the waterfront for public use, attract private investment and generate employment, while advancing India’s broader blue economy goals and positioning Mumbai as a global maritime tourism hub.

The project will be implemented under a hybrid development model. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest around Rs 4.7 billion to build the core marina infrastructure on an engineering, procurement and construction basis, while a private operator will invest about Rs 4.17 billion in developing onshore facilities. The ministry has approved the port authority’s investment, and tenders have already been floated, with bids due to close on December 29, 2025.

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

Onshore facilities to be developed by the private operator 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 aligns with national initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Sagarmala Programme and the Cruise Bharat Mission, as well as the Mumbai Port Authority’s Port Master Plan 2047. Once operational, the marina is expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs across marina operations, cruise services, hospitality and allied sectors, while improving public access to Mumbai’s waterfront.