Panaji : Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated Goa’s new Captain of Ports Terminal Building, a ₹48.87-crore waterfront facility aimed at strengthening maritime administration, improving vessel monitoring and navigation, and supporting the state’s sustainable maritime development.
Developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), the G+3 terminal spans over 4,405 square metres and replaces the existing Captain of Ports office to meet the department’s expanding operational needs. Designed to resemble a ship docked along the Mandovi River, the building will serve as both an administrative headquarters and a landmark celebrating Goa’s maritime heritage.
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 MPs, MLAs, senior officials and representatives from the maritime sector.
Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said the terminal symbolises Goa’s maritime identity and its commitment to modernisation and sustainable development. The facility houses the Captain of Ports Department, marine and hydrographic offices, navigational control infrastructure, a radio communications centre, conference halls, passenger amenities and a rooftop amphitheatre with a seating capacity of around 450. It also includes an indoor restaurant and open terrace for public and maritime events.
Highlighting the Centre’s achievements in the maritime sector, the Union Minister said India’s port capacity has nearly doubled over the past 12 years, while vessel turnaround time has been reduced from 95 hours to 41 hours. He added that the country’s seafaring workforce has grown to over 3.23 lakh, coastal cargo movement has more than doubled, cruise passenger traffic has increased fourfold, and operational National Waterways have expanded from three to 32.
Sonowal also noted that India has become the world’s leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage and praised Goa for becoming the first state to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. He said the proposed Goa Maritime Board, Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy, and Maritime Master Plan would further strengthen the state’s maritime sector.
The Minister highlighted that infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,300 crore have been completed at Mormugao Port since 2014, while projects exceeding ₹2,000 crore are currently under implementation. These include the redevelopment of Berth No. 9, the Vasco Bay Project, capital dredging 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.
In a major announcement, Sonowal said the proposed Goa Water Metro project has been accorded Phase-I implementation priority. He expressed confidence that the project would provide sustainable urban mobility while boosting tourism in the state.
The Union Minister also commended the Captain of Ports Department for strengthening river transport through modern floating jetties, passenger terminals and improved navigation systems. He congratulated the Goa Government on establishing the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence, saying it would emerge as a key centre for maritime education, inland waterways training and skill development.
Reaffirming the Centre’s support for Goa’s maritime ambitions, Sonowal said the new Captain of Ports Terminal Building would serve as the nerve centre of the state’s river navigation administration while advancing the Government of India’s Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030.