Mumbai: Seafood plaza success leads to boat ride from Mahim to Worli

Mahim Koliwada Sea Food Plaza. Pics/Atul Kamble

After the successful launch of the first seafood plaza at Mahim beach, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now working on launching a boat ride
between Worli and Mahim. Civic officials believe that this initiative will enhance tourist attraction in both Mahim and Worli.

The BMC inaugurated the city's first seafood plaza on the seafront in Mahim Koliwada in November last year. Within just three months, the seafood plaza has witnessed a footfall of 30,000 visitors, according to an official statement. This concept not only promotes tourism but also provides income opportunities for locals. The food plazas are operated by local self-help groups, officials added.

Similarly, another seafood plaza is poised to serve authentic Koli cuisine in Worli Koliwada.

Ajit Kumar Ambi, assistant municipal commissioner of G-North ward, stated that the guardian minister of Mumbai city has urged them to initiate a boat ride between Mahim and Worli Koliwada, and they are actively pursuing this project. "Currently, the restoration and beautification of Mahim fort is underway. The BMC has cleared encroachments from the fort and has taken steps to prevent open defecation on Mahim beach, leading to an increase in visitor numbers," said Ambi. Ambi further mentioned that the number of visitors is expected to rise even more once the restoration project is completed.

According to officials, the BMC has also undertaken the restoration of Worli fort. These two forts and their coastal areas will be significant tourist destinations in the future, the officials claimed.

Currently, tourists can avail themselves of boat rides at the Gateway of India, which is the main tourist attraction. If the proposed boat ride between Mahim and Worli is implemented, it will further enhance tourism in Mumbai and contribute to the income of local fisherman families, officials concluded.