PANAJI: Colva Beach is set for a major facelift under the Coastal Tourism Circuit of the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, with full-scale beautification and redevelopment plans announced by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte today. The project will include a beach deck, pedestrian and vehicle bridges, boardwalks, a revamped shopping and food plaza, a designated hawker zone, and disabled-friendly access to enhance the visitor experience and ensure sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Speaking at a press briefing, Khaunte said the Colva redevelopment would be pursued with urgency, with work on the hawker zone expected to be completed within the week. “We are looking at iconic, inclusive and accessible infrastructure that redefines tourism across Goa,” he said.
The minister also revealed that work orders for two other flagship projects, the Town Square in Porvorim and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum in Farmagudi, would be issued next week, marking the start of a fresh push under the State’s regenerative tourism policy.
Describing the Town Square project in Porvorim as Goa’s answer to global public landmarks like Times Square and Leicester Square, Khaunte said the Rs 120.97 crore project, spread across 11,000 sq. metres, will feature curated performance zones, public amenities, and platforms for local artists, with year-round cultural programming.
Meanwhile, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum will aim to celebrate the Maratha legacy and bolster hinterland tourism, he added.
Khaunte emphasised that Goa is now shaping a new tourism narrative beyond the beach belt. “Eco-tourism, wellness, hinterland and heritage are key verticals in this approach,” he said, pointing to the Swadesh Darshan rural circuit between Porvorim and Harvalem, which includes rejuvenation of the Pomburpa spring, creek experiences, and beautification of the Rudreshwar Temple.
In a first, the State will also launch a dedicated monsoon tourism campaign. “The monsoon is Goa at its most beautiful, lush, serene and cultural. It’s time we position this as a key tourist season,” he said, adding that major OTAs, hoteliers and airlines are on board for joint promotional campaigns through June and July. Culinary tourism will take centre stage in July, along with traditional festivals like São João and Chikal Kalo.
“There’s no ban on visiting waterfalls or monsoon spots,” Khaunte clarified, dismissing speculation about restrictions during the rainy season. “We are only ensuring safety in coordination with the Forest Department.”
Calling on the media to help “correct the narrative” on Goa’s tourism, the minister said: “The world knows Goa and Goans. Amka bhivpachi garaj na. But we need to keep improving.”
