Mumbai Port’s Rs 923 crore Victoria Dock marina draws 35+ firms at pre-bid meet; 604 yachts to get berths, 45-year concession, 5-star hotel planned

Mumbai’s historic harbour is set for a major transformation, with the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) advancing plans for a Rs 922.67-crore yacht marina at Victoria Dock. The project aims to establish the waterfront as a destination for luxury yachts, sailing, maritime services and tourism.

More than 35 representatives from the marine services, infrastructure, shipping, hospitality and financial sectors attended the project’s first pre-bid meeting, indicating significant industry interest.

Marina to accommodate 604 yachts

The proposed marina will cover a protected water area of 37.3 hectares and ultimately provide berthing facilities for 604 yachts. It will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model, with the selected private concessionaire receiving a 45-year concession.

Responsibilities will be divided between MbPA and the private developer. The port authority will undertake marine works for the first 424 berths, while the concessionaire will build and operate the supporting land-based infrastructure.

Planned facilities include a five-star hotel, tourism business centre, yacht club, sailing school, yacht repair yard, dry-stack storage facility and fuel station. Together, these components are intended to create an integrated maritime tourism and services hub.

Clearances secured to reduce project risk

MbPA has obtained environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone clearances for the entire project area. The availability of these approvals, along with the authority’s decision to handle the initial marine works, is expected to reduce development risks for prospective bidders.

The principal bidding criterion will be the percentage of gross revenue shared with MbPA. Bidders must commit to a minimum revenue share of 11.50%, and the selected percentage will remain fixed throughout the concession period. Charges collected from marina users will be determined by the market.

The concession includes protection for up to 10 years against the development of a competing yacht marina within MbPA limits. Berthing and yacht repair operations may also begin before the project reaches its formal Commercial Operations Date.

Tender process and development timeline

The first pre-bid meeting was held at Port Bhavan on October 30, with participants joining in person and online. MbPA said it would issue a corrigendum addressing bidders’ questions by November 18, followed by a second pre-bid meeting on November 25.

The bid submission deadline is 3pm on December 15. Technical bids are scheduled to open through the e-procurement system at 3.30pm on December 18.

An Integrity Pact, supported by two Independent External Monitors, has been included in the tender process to strengthen transparency and oversight.

Part of Mumbai’s wider waterfront plan

The Victoria Dock marina forms part of MbPA’s broader waterfront development programme. Other initiatives include the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, the water taxi network and the redevelopment of heritage waterfront precincts.

The marina is expected to expand Mumbai’s maritime tourism sector, improve harbour services and create new leisure and hospitality infrastructure. Port operations, navigation and safety will remain key considerations as the project progresses.

Key project details

• Estimated cost: Rs 922.67 crore
• Location: Victoria Dock, Mumbai
• Protected water area: 37.3 hectares
• Ultimate capacity: 604 yachts
• Initial marine works: 424 berths to be developed by MbPA
• Development model: Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer
• Concession period: 45 years
• Minimum gross revenue share: 11.50%

Facilities planned by the private developer

• Five-star hotel
• Tourism business centre
• Yacht club
• Sailing school
• Yacht repair yard
• Dry-stack yacht storage
• Fuel station