India, June 28 -- On 26th June, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, in Panaji, inaugurated Goa's new Captain of Ports Terminal Building, a Rs.48.87-crore waterfront facility designed to strengthen maritime administration, improve vessel monitoring and navigation, and support the state's vision of sustainable maritime development.

Captain of Ports Terminal Building

- Inaugurated on 26 June 2026 in Panaji.

- Rs.48.87 crore G+3 waterfront facility spanning 4,405 sq. m.

- Inspired by the form of a ship, overlooking the Mandovi River.

- Houses administrative offices, passenger facilities, navigational control, hydrographic offices, radio communications, and public amenities.

- Includes a rooftop amphitheatre (450 seats), restaurant, and terrace for events and revenue generation.

Goa Water Metro - Phase I Priority

- Announced as a priority project to provide sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly urban mobility.

- Expected to enhance tourism and commuter convenience across Goa's waterways.

Maritime Achievements & Reforms

- India's ports have nearly doubled capacity in 12 years; vessel turnaround time reduced from 95 hours to 41 hours.

- Seafaring workforce: 3.23 lakh.

- Coastal cargo movement more than doubled; cruise passenger traffic up 4x.

- Operational National Waterways expanded from 3 to 32.

- India is now the world's leading ship recycling nation by tonnage.

Goa's Maritime Leadership

- First state to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.

- Upcoming initiatives: Goa Maritime Board, Shipbuilding & Ship Repair Policy, and Maritime Master Plan.

- Establishment of Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME) for training, vessel operations, safety, and skill development.

Mormugao Port Authority

- Over Rs.1,300 crore projects completed since 2014; Rs.2,000+ crore underway.

- Redevelopment of Berth No. 9, Vasco Bay Project, capital dredging, new Seafarers' Club.

- Became India's first Green Port, introducing Green Ship Incentives.

This inauguration is both symbolic and strategic: it strengthens Goa's maritime administration while aligning with Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030 to boost coastal connectivity, logistics efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.