Redevelopment of Sasson Dock

Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock is to be revamped as a modern fishing dock in the country. Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari yesterday inaugurated the redevelopment project under the aegis of the Mumbai Port Trust. In his address, during the occasion, the Minister laid thrust on increasing exports of marine products and said the Mumbai Port Trust is backing this objective by creating necessary physical infrastructure for this harbour. Mr. Gadkari said the government is committed to creating a good water transport infrastructure in the country to promote both seabound shipping and inland water transport, to save cost and create job opportunities. He said, his Ministry will proactively accord approvals for port related projects. Mr.Gadkari said, the pro development policies being pursued by the government would take the GDP growth upto 8.5 per cent within next two years. About the Sassoon Dock project  As part of the redevelopment plan, fishing activities will be restricted to New Sassoon Dock area, while Old Sassoon Dock will be used for outfitting of fishing boats and for providing required services like fuel, freshwater and ice for fishing boats. There is also a plan to provide an ice plant and an ice crusher shed. The existing open fish auction hall at New Sassoon Dock will be converted into a modern fish handling and auction hall. The redevelopment project also envisages construction of a dormitory, rest rooms, restaurant and a radio communication tower. There is also a proposal to set up Marine Food Park, sea food restaurant and an art gallery at the Sassoon Dock premises at a later stage. Mumbai Port Trust has appointed Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery, Bangalore as the Project Management Consultant for preparing the detailed technical report. The redevelopment project is estimated to cost Rs 25.50 crores. Earlier, the Mumbai Fishermen’s Association submitted a memorandum to the Minister demanding subsidy on diesel used in fishing vessels. They also sought subsidy on fishing implements, on the lines of subsidy extended to agricultural implements. Sassoon Dock is among the oldest docks of Mumbai, built in 1875 on reclaimed land in Colaba. It was built by Albert Abdul Sassoon, son of David Sassoon, who was the leader of the Jewish community in Bombay (Mumbai). It is the main fish loading and trading centre in the city.