Boat owners rejoice, as police reopen jetties

Nearly four months after the 26/11 terror attacks and after issuing a series of guidelines (see box), the Colaba police have thrown open the jetties at the Gateway of India and even extended the deadline for them

Nearly four months after the 26/11 terror attacks and after issuing a series of guidelines, the Colaba police have thrown open the jetties at the Gateway of India and even extended the deadline for them. There were only two jetties (number 2 and 3) that were functional, but on Saturday, the Colaba police gave a nod to open jettiesu00a0 number 4 and 5 located behind the Gateway of India.

ON SAIL: The jetties at the Gateway of India. There are 93 boats, out of which 73 are luxury boats and 20 are ordinary boats. PIC/BIPIN KOKATE

The additional space is likely to solve the persistent congestion problems at the jetties. Suhas Padte, owner of Mahesh Travel and Tours, said, "At last, our demands have been accepted. We will be able to earn money after nearly four months of struggle."

Padte added that police have asked them to clear the jetties by 9 pm from the earlier deadline of 6.30 pm. When asked about the guidelines issued by the police, another boat owner said, "It is not our duty to follow the guidelines. However, the cop's decision comes as a huge relief."

Senior Inspector Deepak Vishwas Rao from the Colaba police station said, "The boat owners will have to follow the rules else we will not allow the jetties to operate. They have promised us that they will work towards fulfilling our guidelines."

Guidelines
>> Install CCTV cameras at the jetties
>> Photo pass for regular travellers and a record of their pictures, address and work details
>>u00a0Deploy security on boats and frisk passenger's bags
>> Issue ID cards for workers
>> Ensure that the passengers on boats return after sight seeing