The Centre on Friday un veiled plans to invest more than Rs 2,000 crore in Goa’s maritime sector, with the proposed Goa Water Metro project being accorded first-phase implementation priority as part of a broader push to modernise the State’s coastal and inland water ways infrastructure. Announcing the initiatives while inaugurating the Rs 48.87-crore Captain of Ports Terminal Build ing in Panjim, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the up coming investments would build on infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,300 crore already completed by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) since 2014. “From our ministry’s side, we have decided to bring projects worth Rs 2,000 crore to promote the maritime sector in Goa in the coming days,” Sonowal said.
Among the key proposals is the Goa Water Metro, a riv er-based public transport system envisaging a 111-km network linking nine major terminal hubs across the State. Sonowal said the project has now entered the first phase of implementation priority, signalling a significant step towards introducing an alternative mode of urban and in ter-city mobility on Goa’s waterways. The minister said the planned investments would also cover major infrastructure works, including the redevelop ment of Berth No 9, Vasco Harbour, capital dredging and other strategic projects aimed at strengthening Goa’s mar itime capabilities.
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Highlighting recent achievements, Sonowal announced that the MPA has become India’s first green port and said the proposed Goa Maritime Board would work in coordina tion with the port authority to prepare a long-term master plan for the State’s coastline once it is constituted. Congratulating the Goa government on the completion of the new terminal building, he said the State has emerged as a leader in maritime reforms and was the first in the coun try to implement the Inland Vessels Act. “The government has taken a strong step towards pre serving and promoting Goa’s maritime heritage. This is in line with the vision of our Prime Minister, who always says ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’,” Sonowal said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said Goa’s rivers, which have historically shaped trade and transport in the State, are poised to play a larger role in its future development.
Describing the new Captain of Ports complex as a sym bol of Goa’s maritime legacy and future aspirations, Sawant said the State is moving towards a modern, sustainable and future-ready maritime ecosystem through improved mar itime governance, river traffic management, navigational monitoring and public services. The newly inaugurated G+3 terminal building, designed in the shape of a ship, spans over 4,405 square metres and houses administrative offices, marine and hydrographic di visions, communication and security systems, conference facilities and passenger amenities. The waterfront facility also includes a 450-seat amphitheatre, restaurant and pub lic recreational spaces.
