VASCO
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar has appealed to the State government to take proactive steps to promote cruise tourism at the Mormugao Port, given its potential to bring significant economic and tourism-related growth to Mormugao taluka and to Goa as a whole.
Speaking about his vision for the region, Salkar said that Mormugao’s strategic location, natural harbour, and upcoming international cruise terminal make it an ideal hub for cruise tourism.
“Mormugao is naturally gifted with a deep-water port and a scenic coastline. If cruise tourism is promoted seriously, it will not only benefit the taluka but also generate employment and business opportunities for Goans across the State,” he said.
The Vasco MLA recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier stressed the need to utilise Goa’s waterways for sustainable transport and tourism.
Drawing inspiration from this vision, Salkar suggested the introduction of a Water Metro project in Goa to connect major coastal points through passenger ferry
services.
“During the recent Assembly session, I requested the government to consider the Mormugao Harbour to Dona Paula route as a pilot project for the proposed Water Metro. Such an initiative would provide both a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport while adding a new dimension to Goa’s tourism experience,” Salkar said.
He emphasised that the development of cruise tourism and the Water Metro could transform Mormugao into a bustling maritime tourism hub.
“With the international cruise terminal coming up, this is the right time for the government to focus on cruise tourism in a big way. The potential is immense ” it can attract high-spending tourists, promote local culture, boost small businesses, and showcase Goa’s coastal beauty to the world,” Salkar added.
The MLA appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to extend full government support to this initiative by collaborating with the Mormugao Port Authority and the Tourism Department to create the required infrastructure and marketing ecosystem.
“I sincerely appeal to the Chief Minister to take up this project aggressively. Cruise tourism can redefine Goa’s tourism identity beyond beaches and nightlife. Mormugao can be the gateway to a new era of maritime and luxury tourism for the entire State,” Salkar said, expressing confidence that the initiative would create long-term benefits for both local residents and the State’s economy.
