Soon, cruise along DCT & Marine Drive

Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) is planning to start cruise services from the newly launched domestic cruise terminal (DCT) at Princess Dock, Mazgaon. The services will be operated between DCT, and the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, said officials.

The MbPT is planning to appoint operators for the services of passenger boats or catamarans soon.

“The one-km stretch along the DCT will be the city’s new water transport hub. The harbour cruise will last for about an hour. It will cruise along the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, and then return to the terminal,” said Sanjay Bhatia, chairman, MbPT.

An official said the port trust is also planning to declutter the gateway by launching the cruise service. MbPTplansonbuilding a 150-mtr jetty at Marine Drive, as a passenger terminal.

A proposal to allot a 425-sq-mtr space at Birla Krida Kendra for construction of the jetty has been submitted to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Meanwhile, another official said the move is part of the state’s larger plan to boost coastal tourism in the city. The state government has been promoting various water-transport services in the city.

MbPT recently inaugurated Mumbai-Goa cruise services from the domestic cruise terminal. The MbPT had also launched two floatels at the Gateway of India.

Additionally, MbPT is working on an eastern waterfront project near the terminal. It plans to keep the area open to all citizens at a nominal cost of ₹5.

The promenade will have RoRo services, a skating rink, amphitheatre, an iconic building and seaside restaurants.

MUMBAI:The