Goa Water Metro Gets Phase-I Priority, says Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister inaugurates new Captain of Ports Terminal, unveils roadmap for Goa's maritime expansion
GG News Bureau
Panaji, 27th June: Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced Phase-I implementation priority for the proposed Goa Water Metro project while inaugurating the new ₹48.87-crore Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji.
The newly inaugurated G+3 waterfront facility, overlooking the Mandovi River, has been developed to strengthen maritime administration, improve vessel monitoring and navigation, and support Goa’s vision of sustainable maritime development.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sonowal said the terminal represents not just a modern administrative building but also a symbol of Goa’s maritime heritage and commitment to people-centric development.
Making a major announcement, the Minister said the Goa Water Metro project has now been placed under Phase-I priority, expressing confidence that it would transform urban water transport, improve connectivity and further boost tourism in the state.
Sonowal also highlighted the Centre’s efforts to strengthen Goa’s maritime ecosystem through the proposed Goa Maritime Board, the Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy, and a comprehensive Maritime Master Plan.
The Minister said Mormugao Port Authority has completed infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,300 crore since 2014, while projects exceeding ₹2,000 crore are currently under execution. He added that Mormugao has become India’s first Green Port and the first port to introduce Green Ship Incentives.
Highlighting India’s maritime progress, Sonowal said port capacity has nearly doubled over the past 12 years, vessel turnaround time has reduced significantly, coastal cargo movement has more than doubled, and the country has emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage.
He also praised the Goa Government for implementing the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and welcomed the establishment of the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence to strengthen maritime education, inland waterways training and skill development.
The inauguration was attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, Goa Ministers Digambar Kamat and Subhash Phal Dessai, along with senior government officials and maritime industry representatives.
