The Union government, in coordination with Goa state government, is developing the state as a major cargo and cruise destination. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said under the Sagarmala scheme to develop India's coastal regions and maritime sector, an international and domestic cruise terminal, along with a ferry terminal, has been developed in Goa.
The Centre has developed an international and domestic cruise terminal, along with a ferry terminal, at Mormugao Port in Goa with an estimated project cost of Rs 101.72 crore. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2025.
Ministry of ports, shipping and waterways is also preparing detailed project reports for nine coastal jetties in Goa to boost cargo volume, reduce traffic, and improve inland transport, Sonowal said.
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Efforts to increase cargo include building new terminals, expanding existing ones, enhancing connectivity, upgrading equipment, and promoting coastal shipping through subsidies and reduced charges.
The expected economic impacts of such development include jobs in transportation, hospitality, retail, and tourism.
It will also improve local connectivity through enhanced inland waterway services, including ferry and RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) services, enabled by integrated cruise circuits.