Cruise passenger facilities to include Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax services
PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted the green signal to the Mormugao Port Authority’s (MPT) proposed domestic and international cruise terminal project, which will include Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax services.
The MPA had submitted a proposal to the GCZMA seeking CRZ clearance for the development of a domestic and international cruise terminal and allied facilities at the Mormugao harbour. The project proponent has claimed that the project is in the national interest.
The coastal body, during its meeting held earlier this month, approved the project. The project is planned at an estimated cost of Rs 101.72 crore, of which Rs 50.86 crore will be funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways through the Sagarmala Scheme, Rs 50 crore by the Ministry of Tourism under the ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development Scheme’, while the balance will be taken care of by the MPA.
The terminal will include a commercial hub, Ro-Ro facility for vehicles, fast ferry service, and a ropeway. It will also have passenger and baggage handling areas, immigration counters, check-in counters, waiting lounges, baggage carousels, duty-free retail shops, lounges, a food court, and a parking area. The MPA is developing the terminal in response to the increase in cruise passengers and vessels.
The state-of-the-art terminal building will be spread across 9,900 sqm. The ancillary commercial building will have an experiential shopping zone aimed at cruise tourists and will also be made accessible to the general public, covering an area of 3,700 sqm.
At present, the MPA has a 450m-long cruise berth that can comfortably accommodate cruise vessels. A second berth, which is currently leased to the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, is used when two cruise ships make a simultaneous port call.
