Maharashtra Government has initiated steps to fast-track the development of the Worli jetty in Mumbai, with plans aimed at strengthening water transport, emergency medical services and tourism, Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said on Monday.

He said the process to appoint a Project Management Consultant (PMC), responsible for preparing technical approvals, environmental clearances and project reports, is nearing completion, while expressions of interest have been invited to develop a helipad at the site under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

A review meeting on the project was held at Mantralaya, attended by Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Maharashtra Maritime Board Chief Executive Officer Pradeep P and senior officials from concerned departments.

Rane said temporary jetties had earlier been constructed near Amarsons Garden Interchange and the Worli Dairy area during the Mumbai Coastal Road project to transport construction materials. With the coastal road nearing completion, the government is evaluating their use for water transport services, including water taxis, ambulances and passenger movement.

He added that a structural audit conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay through the Maharashtra Maritime Board found that the Amarsons jetty is unsuitable for passenger operations, while the Worli Dairy jetty can be upgraded for safe use with necessary modifications.