The Gateway of India is a monument in
Mumbai (formerly Bombay), West India Zone.
The Gateway is traditionally the first thing visitors arriving by
boat would see of Bombay. Behind the Gateway steps lead down to the
waterfront, where boat trips can be had to locations such as Elephanta
Island.
The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete.
The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at
its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order
to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to
the centre of the town. The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs,
borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach
road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the
road leading up to it.
The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on
December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.
The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the
Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on
February 28, 1948.