[BolliBatlu]

Gadkari wants swanky makeover of Mumbai waterfront

New Delhi, Apr 16 (PTI) A structure taller than Dubais iconic 163-floor Burj Khalifa with a green boulevard bigger than Mumbais Marine Drive will form part of a new eastern waterfront to be developed on a wasteland in the countrys financial capital.

These grand plans are part of a dream project of Nitin Gadkari, the union minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, who sees the Mumbai Port Trust as the "richest landlord" of the city and wants to give a makeover to its huge swathes of industrial wasteland.

"We are not giving our land to the builders and investors. We have plans to develop the area...We are making a green, smart road, three times bigger than the Marine Drive. We plan historic landmark bigger than Burj Khalifa. The plan is ready, we are waiting for the approval from the Cabinet," Gadkari said.

"About 500 hectares is proposed to be developed with a mix of port operations, business, office, commercial, retail, entertainment, community projects and convention centres, etc," a top official said.

A key feature of the plan is a 7-km long marine drive between Mazagaon Docks and Wadala, much bigger than the existing Marine Drive.

The proposed projects also include creation of spaces for community recreation and engagement, maritime museum, marinas etc.

Mumbai Port has already invited global tender from consulting firms for master plan and infrastructure design of the port.