According to sources, the Maharashtra government had decided to preserve the grand historical monument Gateway of India which resides in South Mumbai.
This project will be implemented jointly by the state government and the municipality. The area is currently crowded with police security checkpoints, a crowd of tourists, and ticket booths. An attempt will be made to organize the chaos better and build a well-planned tourist destination.
This Gateway of India has a special significance as the last ship passed through this port when the British left the country. However, this monument was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai (then, Bombay). In the last few years, there has been chaos in the area, especially around the monument. After the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, even the monument could not be seen at a glance due to security barriers.
The monument at this tourist spot is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department of the State Government. However, the development of the surrounding area is under the jurisdiction of the municipality. Moreover, the land here belongs to Mumbai Port Trust. Therefore, a year ago, the tourism department had convened a joint meeting of BPT, police, municipality and archaeology department to prepare a unified management plan.
According to the officials, the design of ticket windows, electricity poles and police outposts in the area will complement the historic tourist spot. Also, special facilities will be provided for the disabled tourists and efforts are being made to create an international standard tourist destination. In addition, a consultant has been assigned to design this consolidated conservation.