Goa’s maritime infrastructure push has gained fresh momentum with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the new Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji and announcing Phase-I implementation priority for the proposed Goa Water Metro project.
The ₹48.87 crore waterfront facility was inaugurated on 26 June 2026. It is aimed at strengthening maritime administration, improving vessel monitoring and navigation, and supporting sustainable maritime development in the state.
The G+3 terminal building has been developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and spans more than 4,405 square metres.
Located along the Mandovi River, the new building replaces the existing Captain of Ports office, which had become inadequate for the department’s growing operational needs.
The terminal has been designed in the form of a ship docked along the riverbank and will function as an administrative hub for river navigation and maritime operations in Goa.
Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Power and New and 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 and senior officials attended the inauguration.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the new facility represents more than a government building.
“Today, we are dedicating much more than a building. We are dedicating a symbol of Goa’s maritime identity, its commitment to modernisation and its vision for a sustainable and people-centric future,” he said.
The new terminal has been built on a pile foundation using a composite steel-and-reinforced-concrete structure to improve durability along the riverfront.
It includes modern passenger facilities, a double-height public lobby, conference facilities, marine and hydrographic offices, navigational control infrastructure, a radio communications centre and public amenities.
A rooftop amphitheatre with seating capacity of about 450, an indoor restaurant and an open terrace have also been included in the facility.
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According to the ministry, these additions will allow the terminal to host public and maritime events while creating additional revenue opportunities for the department.
Sonowal also announced that the proposed Goa Water Metro project has been brought under Phase-I implementation priority.
He said Goa’s waterways have the potential to provide sustainable, efficient and environment-friendly urban mobility while also improving the state’s tourism experience.
The minister also highlighted ongoing maritime reforms in Goa, including the proposed Goa Maritime Board, Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy and Maritime Master Plan.
He said these initiatives would help strengthen the state’s maritime ecosystem.
Sonowal also referred to the development of Mormugao Port Authority, where infrastructure projects worth more than ₹1,300 crore have been completed since 2014, while projects worth more than ₹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.
The ministry said Mormugao Port has become India’s first Green Port and the first port to introduce Green Ship Incentives.
The Union Minister also praised the Captain of Ports Department for strengthening river transport through modern floating jetties, passenger terminals and improved navigational safety systems.
He said these steps are improving connectivity and commuter convenience across the state.
The Captain of Ports Terminal Building is expected to serve as the nerve centre for Goa’s river navigation administration.
The project also aligns with the Centre’s broader port-led development vision under the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030, which focus on coastal connectivity, logistics efficiency and sustainable economic growth.
