Construction of a new Ro-Ro jetty has begun at the Borivali end of the ferry service that provides a quick waterway link between Borivali and Gorai. The route is widely used by residents commuting to work as well as by visitors heading to Gorai village for leisure. Locals have welcomed the project, saying it will ease congestion and boost business. “Once the service starts, it will offer more space for people and vehicles. Increased visitors will also bring more business for local vendors,” said Rossi D’Souza, a member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat.

However, residents have also raised concerns about the village’s capacity to handle increased traffic. Another panchayat member, Royston Godinho, said Gorai’s narrow and accident-prone roads need urgent attention. “Our main concern is how Gorai will benefit. The roads are already extremely narrow. Just three days ago, two men died in an accident near Gorai Creek. If the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is implementing the Ro-Ro project, other civic bodies like the BMC must look at road widening, without damaging mangroves that currently restrict expansion,” Godinho told mid-day.