VASCO: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday stated that once the new cruise terminal building is constructed at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), tourism in the State will get a boost.
Parrikar was speaking after unveiling the plaque of the foundation stone for the new passenger terminal building at MPT in the presence of Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highway and Shipping Krishan Pal Gujjar, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Shripad Naik, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, Power Minister Milind Naik, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, MPT Chairman Cyril C George and government and MPT officials.
“Today’s event unfolds two aspects, it will build good relations between MPT and the State government and MPT which earlier used to export only iron ore, will now handle cruise vessels, which will promote tourism in the State,” said Parrikar.
Parrikar advised MPT Chairman George to open taxi counters in consultation with the tourism department to avoid any confrontation with taxi drivers in the State.
“Since Goa is a tourist destination, the government is contemplating to issue visas on board the ship. I will send an officer to Dubai and from there he will board the ship to issue visas to the passengers to avoid loss of time at the berthing point in Goa, as the passengers come only for a day,” he said.
Commenting on the loss suffered by MPT due to mining ban, Parrikar said the government has reduced green cess from 2.5% to 0.5% and road tax from Rs 250 to Rs 50.
Parrikar told George that the government has already e-auctioned iron ore and by October MPT will be in a position to export ore once again. He urged MPT to expedite the process to complete the four-lane highway so that traffic on city roads is minimised. Shripad Naik said the BJP government at the Centre is having special consideration towards Goa and to mark government’s 100th day in office, he has unveiled water sports complex at Miramar, Institute of Hotel Management and Catering at Farmagudi and new passenger terminal building at MPT.
MPT Chairman George said the new terminal building will be completed by 2015 and it will house customs and immigration clearance centre, baggage check, passport reading machine, duty free shops, recreational facilities, lounge and cafeteria and electrical cars for the benefit of the tourists.
“This season, MPT will handle 25 cruise vessels and 50,000 passengers. If each passenger spends 200 Dollars, then the State will earn revenue of Rs 2.5 crore,”
he added.
