The modernisation of Sassoon Dock was approved by the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari in 2014. But it was only recently that the state and the central governments budgets funded the Sassoon dock modernisation plan. For the same, a total amount of Rs 52.17 crore was allocated. Sassoon Dock, which was built in 1875, is one of the oldest fishing harbours, and the main fish loading and trading centre in South Mumbai. Here are few things that we can expect from the new’ Sassoon Dock: The redeveloped Sassoon Dock will be almost double the size of the current one. The Sassoon Dock which is about 1.1 hectare, post redevelopment, will measure 4.28 hectare. The dock will have state of the art facilities for fish packaging processes. There is a plan to build a facility inside Sassoon Dock, which will have conveyer belts to load fish on and off boats and space to repair boats and nets. The belts will help in the fish packaging process. The proposal also includes a 200 tonne ice plant and a 20 tonne cold storage unit, which will help in maintaining the freshness of the fish which is supposed to be exported. The proposal of modernisation will also include an air-conditioned fish market, a one-storey museum and a space for visitors to enjoy fishing, for tourist activities. The proposal also includes an amphitheatre, and a street food corner. The draft plan also has a museum which will exhibit several features of Sassoon Dock. The main clock entrance tower would remain as the main entrance for the docks. The museum will also have a viewing deck on first floor, which will give the visitors a majestic view of the Arabian Sea. Reasons for delay The Sassoon Dock modernisation plan was in the government’s pipeline for many years. The confusion of who will monitor the funds led to the delay. In 2014, Nitin Gadkari approved the plan. The confusion over the fund took place between Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) and Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation as there were several state and union departments involved in this. In 2016, in a high-level meeting, it was decided that the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation will monitor the entire modernisation project and also that the allocation of the funds will be done by them.