PANAJI
In what could boost State’s maritime infrastructure, the Central government has proposed to develop Goa into a prominent cargo and cruise destination under the Sagarmala Scheme, at an estimated cost of Rs 101 crore. The project is expected to be completed by March 2025.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal told the Rajya Sabha that the project is expected to generate jobs in sectors like transportation, hospitality, retail and tourism while also driving revenue growth for local businesses.
As part of the infrastructure expansion, the development of an international and domestic cruise terminal, along with a ferry terminal at Mormugao Port is one of the major projects, aimed to boost the State’s cruise tourism and cargo handling capacity.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is also preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for nine coastal jetties in Goa. These jetties aim to reduce road traffic, improve inland waterway connectivity, and significantly enhance cargo volumes.
Enhanced inland waterway services, including ferry and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) services, will further improve connectivity and support integrated cruise circuits, the Minister informed.
Also, the Minister said that the Central government is undertaking initiatives such as building new terminals, expanding existing facilities, upgrading equipment, improving connectivity, and promoting coastal shipping through subsidies and reduced charges.
As part of its efforts to boost the cruise industry, the government launched the Cruise Bharat Mission in 2024.
