PANAJI: River Navigation Department (RND) Minister Subhash Phal Dessai announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Goa Water Metro project will be completed within the next four months, with the State Government aiming to secure 100% Central funding for the river transport initiative.
Addressing a press briefing, Minister said that Goa has been prioritised by the Centre for the preparation of the DPR after the successful completion of the feasibility study. "The Centre shortlisted Goa along with 14 other locations across the country for the feasibility study. We have selected nine routes in Goa, and the DPR will be placed before the government within the next four months. Looking at the steady work carried out by the State, the Centre has given Goa priority and included it in the first phase. The River Navigation Department is fully committed to ensuring the timely execution of the project," the minister said.
The briefing was also attended by Loknath Behera, retired IPS officer and Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd., who said the proposed Water Metro would significantly reduce pressure on Goa's roads by providing an alternative mode of transport. "The project will ease traffic congestion, provide seamless connectivity to citizens, boost tourism and generate new employment opportunities in the coastal and riverine areas," Behera said.
Minister informed that the second stage of the project, the preparation of the DPR, has now officially commenced. The DPR will provide a comprehensive roadmap, including route planning, project cost estimates, long-term implementation strategy, tourism potential and the overall impact on traffic management.
The first phase of the project will focus on nine river connectivity routes across Goa. The proposed locations identified in the feasibility report include Panaji, Betim, Divar, Chodan, Vanshi, Sarmanas, Narve, Aldona, Cortalim, Madkai, Adpai and Durbhat.
Officials further said Goa has become the second state in the country, after Maharashtra, to begin DPR preparation among the locations selected by the Centre, marking a significant step towards introducing a modern water-based public transport system in the State.
