And now, Sleepless in Mumbai

When 30-year-old marine engineer Anand Krishna’s ship docked in Mumbai port one evening in January, there wasn’t much he could do except retire to his hotel room.

For a young man working long hours in poorly ventilated engine rooms, who must have been looking forward to chilling out in a pub and catching some dinner at one of the city’s better restaurants, it must have been a bitter brew.

Now, however, thanks to a move by the Mumbai Police to allow all-night restaurants and bars, Krishna will soon be able to unwind and do just that.

“I have been in cities such as Venice, Stockholm and Quebec, which come alive at night. But when I dock in Mumbai, especially after a long journey, there is nothing I can do to recharge [my] batteries.”

He is hopeful that the authorities will get cracking on the new proposal. Last week, Mumbai’s Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria gave his consent to keep restaurants, bars and discos open at night, in a bid to boost tourism.

The details are still being worked out, but hoteliers and consumers in the city have welcomed the decision.

Alfred Arambhan of the Arambhan Group, which is in the hospitality business, said, “All these years the government’s mindset was that nightlife will lead to more crime.

“But that can happen even during the day. Nightlife will add more sheen to Mumbai.”

The proposal has found support even from the conservative Shiv Sena. Senior Sena leader and MP, Rahul Shewale told BusinessLine that he had accompanied Aaditya Thackeray, son of party supremo Udhav Thackeray, to a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday.

“The proposal has been accepted by Fadnavis and soon amendments to the Shops and Establishment Act will be made. The move will also create more jobs in the city,” Shewale said.

The Sena has suggested that the government demarcate non-residential and nightlife zones.

Marine engineer Krishna is definitely looking forward to his next halt in Mumbai.

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