MTDC plan Rs 250-cr marina at Nariman Point

Mumbai: In a bid to promote water-based tourism, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has decided to develop a Rs 250-crore marina at tony Nariman Point business district in the city. The corporation has invited expressions of interest to appoint consultants, from both domestic as well asinternational markets, to prepare a detailed feasibility report on the project. "Given the proximity of the city to the international mainline shipping route on the Western coast, we have decided to exploit this opportunity for promoting tourism. We plan to develop a marina which will be used for tourism purpose only," MTDC sources told PTI.[caption id="attachment_1050919" align="alignleft" width="380"] A file picture of Marine Drive lit up by Diwali celebrations. AFP. [/caption] The cost of the project, to be developed on a design, build, operate and transfer (DBOT) basis, is estimated to be over Rs 250 crore. The marina will have a parking space for around 150 yachts, sources said. "Since the project will be developed on public-private partnership model, we may also consider getting viability gap funding. However, these things can be finalised only after we have the DPR in place," they said. On the land side, MTDC plans to develop a 'Koli Village' which will have cafés and restaurants. "This theme-village will be developed in the fishermen colony at the Budhwar Park area near Nariman Point. This will not only serve as tourist destination, but also also be a means of revenue generation for the fisherfolks," according to sources. PTI