PANAJI
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said the newly inaugurated Captain of Ports Terminal Building reflects Goa’s rich maritime heritage while announcing that the Centre will introduce a Water Metro service in the State and undertake maritime projects worth Rs 2,000 crore.
Sonowal described the ship-inspired structure as a landmark that blends Goa’s traditions with modern infrastructure. Built at a cost of about Rs 48.87 crore, the facility will serve as the headquarters of the Captain of Ports Department and is expected to strengthen inland waterways, navigational safety and maritime administration.
“The building reflects Goa’s rich heritage. It is a landmark that blends tradition with modern infrastructure,” he said.
Announcing major investments for the State’s maritime sector, the Union Minister further said the Centre has approved projects worth Rs 2,000 crore for Goa and confirmed plans to introduce a Water Metro system to improve public transport.
“... From our ministry’s side, we have decided to bring projects worth Rs 2,000 crore to promote the maritime sector in Goa in the coming days. At the same time, giving special importance to water metro services, we also plan to introduce a Water Metro system in Goa for the convenience of the people,” he added.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the terminal symbolises Goa’s maritime heritage while preparing the State for future growth.
“The State’s rivers, which have shaped its history, will drive the next phase of Goa’s development by strengthening maritime governance, river traffic management, navigational monitoring and public services, while also promoting tourism, culture and community engagement,” he said.
The G+3 terminal, spread over 4,405 sq mtrs, houses administrative offices, marine and hydrographic divisions, communication and security systems, conference facilities and passenger amenities. It also includes a 450-seat amphitheatre, an indoor restaurant and recreational spaces designed to create a public waterfront destination.
Minister for River Navigation Subhash Phal Dessai said the proposed Water Metro project had been pursued for the past two years and would significantly improve ferry-based public transport without affecting the fishing community.
“It will increase commuting from 50,000 to one lakh people. The project will immediately move ahead and will connect Goa and its islands. The Water Metro project will not impact fishermen,” Phal Dessai said.
Head of the Captain of Ports Department, Octavio Rodrigues, clarified that the new terminal has no provision for casinos, stating that the building will continue to function as an office, with its first floor being converted into a Disaster Management Cell.
Meanwhile, on the recent High Court order directing the removal of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue from the Mormugao Port Authority area, Phal Dessai said the government would constitute a committee to resolve the issue.
“We respect the court’s verdict... The place was earlier a garbage dumping area and was later transformed through beautification without causing any obstruction. A committee will be formed and the issue will be resolved,” he said.
