Mumbai: The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), in collaboration with The Heritage Project (THP) and the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF), is presenting a unique opportunity to explore and discover India’s rich maritime heritage through a guided tour of the Mumbai Port, free of charge.
Mumbai Port, one of the oldest and most prominent ports in India, established in 1873, has been instrumental in shaping the maritime and trade landscape of the country and the city. It has served as an economic gateway with many unique features, some of which remain unknown to the public. For the very first time, Mumbai Port has opened its doors, inviting the general public to access the restricted areas and get to know the port’s inner workings.
“Mumbai Port has long been the gateway to India, and we take great pride in our rich heritage and the pivotal role we continue to play in shaping the national economy and trade,” Dr R D Tripathi, CEO of Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF), said. “Through this tour, we aim to offer the public a unique opportunity to experience the historical and operational significance of the Mumbai Port while celebrating the legacy that has helped shape Mumbai into the vibrant city it is today. We welcome each and every one from the outside port community to come experience the least known actions that the Mumbai port undertakes to keep the wheels of the economy moving, and look forward to strengthening the bond between the port and its city.”
“This tour, facilitated by experts from THP and port functionaries, will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of a place renowned for its significant landmarks and captivating stories of Mumbai’s maritime transformation. You will also get to experience several fascinating stops and get firsthand exposure to port operations and its functionality. The tour is designed to be informative, engaging, and exciting for all, including the elderly, individuals with special needs, and students,” said a release.
“At The Heritage Project, we believe that understanding our past is important for us to appreciate our present. We are excited to partner with the Mumbai Port Authority and Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation to provide this rare opportunity to explore the port’s interesting history. By weaving history, culture, and contemporary operations, we aim to create an educational and inspiring experience that fosters a deeper understanding of this remarkable institution,” said Radha Goenka, Founder of The Heritage Project & Director of RPG Foundation.
GRAPHIC———–
Event Details:
– Dates: 14 December to 20 December 2024
– Duration: 3 Hours
– Participation Fee: Free of Cost (bring Aadhar card for registration)
– Batch Size: 90 participants per batch
– Timings:
– Dec 14 & 15 – 3 batches (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
– Dec 16 to 20 – 2 batches (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Entries from Green Gate, Ballard Pier, Mumbai Port
WHAT IS TO BE SEEN ——
*Story of Mumbai Port*
The creation of Mumbai Port stands as a remarkable testament to human ambition, ingenuity, and resilience. Born from an extraordinary feat of engineering, vast stretches of marshy swampland were reclaimed from the sea, transforming the region into a thriving harbour that welcomed some of the largest ships of its time.
*A Harbour Born from History*
Mumbai Port is not just a bustling gateway to the world; it is a living chronicle of India’s maritime legacy. To truly grasp its significance, one must journey back in time to when Mumbai was merely a cluster of seven volcanic islands. Over millennia, natural forces shaped these islands into a sheltered harbour—a serendipitous gift of geography that would one day host the commerce of the world.
The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, claiming the islands through the Treaty of Bassein in 1534. However, it was in 1661 that the islands took a pivotal turn in history—becoming a part of the dowry in the marriage of England’s King Charles II to Portugal’s Catherine of Braganza. The British soon recognised the potential of this harbour as a maritime base and trade hub, laying the groundwork for Mumbai’s transformation.
*Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Maritime Vision*
No story of Mumbai’s maritime legacy is complete without acknowledging Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, revered as the Father of the Indian Navy. Shivaji’s formidable Maratha navy not only challenged European powers like the Portuguese and the British but also established Bombay as a strategic naval base for shipbuilding, trade, and defence.
*The East India Company and the Rise of the Port*
In 1668, the British East India Company acquired the islands, kickstarting systematic development of the port. Infrastructure such as a custom house, warehouses, and dry docks were introduced, turning the port into a magnet for trade. By 1813, the British Parliament’s abolition of the company’s monopoly further spurred the port’s growth, attracting traders from across the globe.
In 1858, control of Bombay transitioned to the British Crown, and in 1873, the Bombay Port Trust was established. This marked the beginning of an era of transformative construction, with milestones like the opening of Sassoon Dock (1875), Prince’s Dock (1880), Victoria Dock (1888), and Alexandra Dock (1914). These docks expanded the port’s capacity to handle the increasing demands of global trade.
*Mumbai Port’s Golden Age*
As the port grew, so did its infrastructure. A dedicated railway network connected the docks to the hinterland, facilitating seamless movement of goods. Mumbai Port played a vital role during India’s freedom struggle as well—Mahatma Gandhi arrived here in 1915 after his years in South Africa, a historic moment commemorated annually as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.
The 20th century saw Mumbai Port diversify its operations. The Marine Oil Terminal at Jawahar Dweep (formerly Butcher Island) began handling crude oil and POL products in the 1950s. In 1996, a state-of-the-art chemical terminal was established at Pir Pau, cementing Mumbai Port’s status as a multipurpose hub.
*Modern Marvels and Future Visions*
Today, Mumbai Port continues to evolve, handling diverse cargo types, including breakbulk, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and containers. It has also emerged as a hub for automobile exports, with over 250,000 cars shipped annually.
The port is on track to become India’s premier cruise destination, with a state-of-the-art International Cruise Terminal capable of accommodating ships with up to 5,000 passengers. This initiative is expected to boost the local economy and tourism.
In alignment with national initiatives, Mumbai Port has embraced sustainable practices and digitisation. From achieving zero carbon emissions to adopting technologies like RFID-based gate automation and mobile apps for stakeholders, the port exemplifies modern efficiency.
*A Legacy Anchored in Progress*
Mumbai Port is more than an infrastructure marvel—it’s a dynamic force that has shaped the city’s destiny and contributed to the nation’s economy. From its humble beginnings as a natural harbour to its position as a global maritime powerhouse, Mumbai Port remains a symbol of resilience, progress, and India’s enduring connection to the seas.
Ends MSID:: 116292750 413 |
Mumbai: The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), in collaboration with The Heritage Project (THP) and the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF), is presenting a unique opportunity to explore and discover India’s rich maritime heritage through a guided tour of the Mumbai Port, free of charge.
Mumbai Port, one of the oldest and most prominent ports in India, established in 1873, has been instrumental in shaping the maritime and trade landscape of the country and the city. It has served as an economic gateway with many unique features, some of which remain unknown to the public. For the very first time, Mumbai Port has opened its doors, inviting the general public to access the restricted areas and get to know the port’s inner workings.
“Mumbai Port has long been the gateway to India, and we take great pride in our rich heritage and the pivotal role we continue to play in shaping the national economy and trade,” Dr R D Tripathi, CEO of Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF), said. “Through this tour, we aim to offer the public a unique opportunity to experience the historical and operational significance of the Mumbai Port while celebrating the legacy that has helped shape Mumbai into the vibrant city it is today. We welcome each and every one from the outside port community to come experience the least known actions that the Mumbai port undertakes to keep the wheels of the economy moving, and look forward to strengthening the bond between the port and its city.”
“This tour, facilitated by experts from THP and port functionaries, will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of a place renowned for its significant landmarks and captivating stories of Mumbai’s maritime transformation. You will also get to experience several fascinating stops and get firsthand exposure to port operations and its functionality. The tour is designed to be informative, engaging, and exciting for all, including the elderly, individuals with special needs, and students,” said a release.
“At The Heritage Project, we believe that understanding our past is important for us to appreciate our present. We are excited to partner with the Mumbai Port Authority and Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation to provide this rare opportunity to explore the port’s interesting history. By weaving history, culture, and contemporary operations, we aim to create an educational and inspiring experience that fosters a deeper understanding of this remarkable institution,” said Radha Goenka, Founder of The Heritage Project & Director of RPG Foundation.
GRAPHIC———–
Event Details:
– Dates: 14 December to 20 December 2024
– Duration: 3 Hours
– Participation Fee: Free of Cost (bring Aadhar card for registration)
– Batch Size: 90 participants per batch
– Timings:
– Dec 14 & 15 – 3 batches (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
– Dec 16 to 20 – 2 batches (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Entries from Green Gate, Ballard Pier, Mumbai Port
WHAT IS TO BE SEEN ——
*Story of Mumbai Port*
The creation of Mumbai Port stands as a remarkable testament to human ambition, ingenuity, and resilience. Born from an extraordinary feat of engineering, vast stretches of marshy swampland were reclaimed from the sea, transforming the region into a thriving harbour that welcomed some of the largest ships of its time.
*A Harbour Born from History*
Mumbai Port is not just a bustling gateway to the world; it is a living chronicle of India’s maritime legacy. To truly grasp its significance, one must journey back in time to when Mumbai was merely a cluster of seven volcanic islands. Over millennia, natural forces shaped these islands into a sheltered harbour—a serendipitous gift of geography that would one day host the commerce of the world.
The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, claiming the islands through the Treaty of Bassein in 1534. However, it was in 1661 that the islands took a pivotal turn in history—becoming a part of the dowry in the marriage of England’s King Charles II to Portugal’s Catherine of Braganza. The British soon recognised the potential of this harbour as a maritime base and trade hub, laying the groundwork for Mumbai’s transformation.
*Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Maritime Vision*
No story of Mumbai’s maritime legacy is complete without acknowledging Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, revered as the Father of the Indian Navy. Shivaji’s formidable Maratha navy not only challenged European powers like the Portuguese and the British but also established Bombay as a strategic naval base for shipbuilding, trade, and defence.
*The East India Company and the Rise of the Port*
In 1668, the British East India Company acquired the islands, kickstarting systematic development of the port. Infrastructure such as a custom house, warehouses, and dry docks were introduced, turning the port into a magnet for trade. By 1813, the British Parliament’s abolition of the company’s monopoly further spurred the port’s growth, attracting traders from across the globe.
In 1858, control of Bombay transitioned to the British Crown, and in 1873, the Bombay Port Trust was established. This marked the beginning of an era of transformative construction, with milestones like the opening of Sassoon Dock (1875), Prince’s Dock (1880), Victoria Dock (1888), and Alexandra Dock (1914). These docks expanded the port’s capacity to handle the increasing demands of global trade.
*Mumbai Port’s Golden Age*
As the port grew, so did its infrastructure. A dedicated railway network connected the docks to the hinterland, facilitating seamless movement of goods. Mumbai Port played a vital role during India’s freedom struggle as well—Mahatma Gandhi arrived here in 1915 after his years in South Africa, a historic moment commemorated annually as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.
The 20th century saw Mumbai Port diversify its operations. The Marine Oil Terminal at Jawahar Dweep (formerly Butcher Island) began handling crude oil and POL products in the 1950s. In 1996, a state-of-the-art chemical terminal was established at Pir Pau, cementing Mumbai Port’s status as a multipurpose hub.
*Modern Marvels and Future Visions*
Today, Mumbai Port continues to evolve, handling diverse cargo types, including breakbulk, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and containers. It has also emerged as a hub for automobile exports, with over 250,000 cars shipped annually.
The port is on track to become India’s premier cruise destination, with a state-of-the-art International Cruise Terminal capable of accommodating ships with up to 5,000 passengers. This initiative is expected to boost the local economy and tourism.
In alignment with national initiatives, Mumbai Port has embraced sustainable practices and digitisation. From achieving zero carbon emissions to adopting technologies like RFID-based gate automation and mobile apps for stakeholders, the port exemplifies modern efficiency.
*A Legacy Anchored in Progress*
Mumbai Port is more than an infrastructure marvel—it’s a dynamic force that has shaped the city’s destiny and contributed to the nation’s economy. From its humble beginnings as a natural harbour to its position as a global maritime powerhouse, Mumbai Port remains a symbol of resilience, progress, and India’s enduring connection to the seas.
Ends MSID:: 116292750 413 |
