Team Herald
PANJIM: Following the report in Herald on the multi-level pay parking loss of an estimated Rs 4.5 cr annually, Goa Tourism Development Corporation on Wednesday said that by handing over the premises to a private partner the State will save Rs 4.5 cr.
“With the handing over of the jetty to Krishna Associates, the government will save Rs 4.5 crore on costs towards housekeeping, security, lighting, access controls, CCTV, sewerage management and other maintenance and repairs,” GTDC Chief Engineer Pramod Badami said.
He added that there will be revenue generated to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore per annum and asset creation worth Rs 15-20 crore in the form of a new jetty terminal building to be built by Krishna Associates who will also share revenue with the government.
“The model has received approval of the government and the file has been re-submitted to Finance Department by highlighting the advantages. This operation and maintenance model is best suited to maintain the jetty terminal and multi-level car park without creating any long term liabilities on the government,” he states.
Badami points out that the multi-level car park is to encourage business/commercial establishments in and around the capital city, especially D B Marg, to park all vehicles there.
“A meeting will be convened shortly by GTDC of all stakeholders – casino operators and other corporate houses – to encourage parking of vehicles at the MLCP,” he added.
Badami said that on an average around 100 vehicles are using the facility during weekdays and more than 150 to 200 vehicles on weekends. The statement adds that the Corporation had undertaken the project which was launched in 2016 and since then has been pursuing the proposal to handover its maintenance under a joint venture with Krishna Associates who would also undertake construction of a new cruise terminal at the Santa Monica Jetty.
“The proposal is being pursued, and Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar along with GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral, are working out the modalities and solutions which will be arrived at shortly,” a statement from GTDC says.
