Mumbai’s 99-Year-Old Gateway of India’s Wall Cracks, Archaeology Department’s Report Worries

Mumbai, 9th March 2023: The Gateway of India is in Mumbai on the shores of the Arabian Sea. For the past 99 years, this structure has been the centre of attraction for Mumbaikars and tourists, standing tall, facing the waves of the sea. But recently, information has come to light that the wall of this structure has got cracks.

The walls of the Gateway are cracked. It is said that during the structural audit of this building, it has been noticed that the wall of the building has cracked. Meanwhile, will the government now accept the proposal for the restoration of this structure? – Such a question is being raised. Gateway of India is not only known to Mumbai but also to the entire country. The British started the construction of this building in 1911. In 1924, the Gateway of India building was erected. On 4th December 1924, this structure was opened to the general public. The 99-year-old structure is now crumbling.

When a cyclone hits Mumbai’s Arabian Sea, the gateway is battered by high sea waves. But till now, after facing many storms, the architecture of Gateway is standing strong. But this structure was damaged in the cyclone last year. Last week, the matter was brought to the notice of Culture Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar. All eyes are on whether the state culture minister will now decide on the restoration of the gateway.

A structural audit of Gateway was done recently. According to this audit, there were cracks in the facade of the building. It was also seen that small plants have grown in many parts of the building. The waterproofing and cement concrete on the dome of the gateway has also been damaged. The state archaeology department has since submitted a proposal of Rs 6.9 crore to the government for renovation of the gateway, which is still awaiting approval.