The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) will jointly work with the government of Maharashtra to chalk-out a plan for development of the port's land that would benefit Mumbai city, a senior central government Minister said.

"We propose to utilise MbPT land for the benefit of Mumbai city and MbPT would be willing to develop the land without actually transferring it to the city. We will discuss with the state authorities how this can be done," Union shipping minister, G K Vasan, told reporters on the sidelines of a press conference here on Tuesday.

A standing committee, under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, Maharashtra along with the chairman, Mumbai Port Trust and other stake-holders as members, will be set up to discuss issues concerning the port and development of Mumbai city, Vasan said.

On the port's activities, the minister said that MbPT is undertaking projects to double its handling capacity to more than 90 million tonnes over the next three-years.

Under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, MbPT also intends to develop berths 1 and 2 for dry bulk, 10, 11 and 12 for general cargo and 2 berths for a dry dock, he said.

In addition, the port is also considering a ferry transport service between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for general commuters.

"This project is presently under discussion," Vasan said.