India Inaugurates Goa’s New Captain Of Ports Terminal And Gives Phase 1 Priority To Water Metro

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Goa’s new Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji and announced that the proposed Goa Water Metro project has been brought under Phase I implementation priority.

The Rs 48.87 crore waterfront facility, developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), spans more than 4,405 square metres and replaces the existing Captain of Ports office, which had become inadequate for the department’s growing operational needs.

Designed to resemble a ship docked along the Mandovi River, the G+3 building is intended to serve as the administrative headquarters for Goa’s river navigation system.

The inauguration was attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Goa Minister for Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat, Goa Minister for River Navigation Subhash Phal Dessai, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior government officials and representatives from the maritime sector.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the facility symbolises Goa’s maritime identity as well as its commitment to modernisation and sustainable development. He said the building represents more than a government office and shows the state’s vision for a people-centric maritime future.

The terminal has been constructed on a pile foundation using a composite steel-and-reinforced-concrete structure to improve durability along the riverfront.

It houses the Captain of Ports Department along with passenger facilities, a double-height public lobby, conference rooms, marine and hydrographic offices, navigational control infrastructure, a radio communications centre and other public amenities.

A rooftop amphitheatre with seating for around 450 people, an indoor restaurant and an open terrace have also been included to support public and maritime events while creating additional revenue opportunities.

Sonowal said port capacity has nearly doubled over the past 12 years while average vessel turnaround time has fallen from 95 hours to 41 hours. He added that India’s seafaring workforce has grown to more than 3.23 lakh, coastal cargo movement has more than doubled, cruise passenger traffic has increased more than fourfold and operational National Waterways have expanded from three to 32. He also said India has become the world’s leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage.

The Union Minister praised Goa for becoming the first state to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and said the proposed Goa Maritime Board, the Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy and the Maritime Master Plan would strengthen the state’s maritime ecosystem.

Sonowal also highlighted ongoing investments at Mormugao Port Authority, where infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 1,300 crore have been completed since 2014, while projects exceeding Rs 2,000 crore are under implementation. These include the redevelopment of Berth No. 9, the Vasco Bay Project with a new fishing harbour, capital dredging for deep-draft berths and a modern Seafarers’ Club. He added that Mormugao Port has become India’s first Green Port and the first to introduce Green Ship Incentives.

Announcing that the Goa Water Metro has been accorded Phase I implementation priority, Sonowal said the state’s waterways have the potential to provide sustainable, efficient and environment-friendly urban transport while strengthening tourism.

He also commended the Captain of Ports Department for expanding river transport through modern floating jetties, passenger terminals and improved navigational safety systems that are enhancing connectivity across the state.

Congratulating the Goa Government on establishing the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME), he said the institute is expected to become a centre for maritime education, inland waterways training, vessel operations, safety, water sports and skill development.

The Minister reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting Goa’s maritime ambitions, while the new Captain of Ports Terminal Building is expected to serve as the state’s principal hub for river navigation administration and support the Government of India’s Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030 through improved coastal connectivity, logistics efficiency and sustainable maritime growth.

Source: DIP