The architect George Wittet combined the elements of the Roman triumphal arch and the 16th-century architecture of Gujarat.^[16] Its design is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles; the arch is of Muslim style while the decorations are of Hindu style.^[17] The gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete.^[12] The stone was locally obtained, and the perforated screens were brought from Gwalior.^[18] The gateway faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the tip of Apollo Bunder.^[19]
The central dome is 48 feet (15 metres) in diameter and 83 feet (25 metres) above the ground at its highest point.^[20] 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. On each side of the arch, there are large halls that can hold 600 people.^[12] The cost of the construction was 2 million (US$34,000), borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and so the gateway stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.^[6][20]