... and procrastination advised by conservation architect ....

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) wants tourists and public to get access to the rooftop of Gateway of India. The state-run body has proposed that a limited number of tourists be allowed to go - taking 174 steps up -- to the rooftop of Gateway of India and enjoy panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and a portion of Colaba. 

The proposal has been sent to a committee set up under municipal commissioner to promote tourism in Mumbai. 

MTDC managing director, Parag Jain Nainuttia, said, "During my recent visit to the monument I came across a staircase leading to the top and it suddenly struck me, why not open it for tourists; it will only increase the appeal of Gateway of India and Mumbai." 

Built in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, Gateway of India's height is 26 metre or 85 feet. It was proposed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary's to India in 1911, but was completed only in 1924. 

Conservation architect Abha Lamba said, "The government will have to be extremely careful while opening up the monument to tourists. The stairs are narrow, so they will have to divide tourists in batches and ensure the second batch doesn't enter till the first leaves. So, the security system will have to be extremely efficient while managing the crowd." 

"Authorities will also have to ensure additional influx of tourists doesn't lead to littering in the monument," she said.