India Is Developing Goa As a Major Cargo, Cruise Destination: Government

The Government of India, in collaboration with the Goa State Government, is undertaking significant initiatives to transform Goa into a prominent hub for cargo and cruise activities on the country’s west coast. This development, according to Union Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal, aligns with the Centre’s Sagarmala Scheme, which focuses on port-led economic growth.

As part of these efforts, the minister said, an International and Domestic Cruise Terminal, along with a Ferry Terminal, is being established at Mormugao Port in Goa. With a budget of Rs 101.72 crore, the project is expected to be completed by March 2025. Additionally, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for nine coastal jetties to increase cargo volumes, enhance connectivity, and reduce traffic congestion.

To promote cruise tourism, the government launched the Cruise Bharat Mission in 2024, aiming to expand domestic and international cruise circuits. Other cargo-oriented initiatives include building new terminals, expanding existing ones, and incentivising coastal shipping through subsidies and reduced charges, the minister added.

The expected economic benefits include job creation in sectors such as transportation, tourism, hospitality, and retail. Improved inland connectivity through enhanced waterway services, including ferry and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) operations, is also anticipated to bolster local trade and tourism in Goa.

“The Central Government has developed an International and Domestic Cruise Terminal, along with a Ferry Terminal at Mormugao Port, Goa, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 101.72 crores. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2025. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is also preparing DPRs for 09 coastal jetties in Goa to boost cargo volume, reduce traffic, and improve inland transport. Efforts to increase cargo include building new terminals, expanding existing ones, enhancing connectivity, upgrading equipment, and promoting coastal shipping through subsidies and reduced charges. To further boost cruise activities, the Central Government launched the Cruise Bharat Mission in 2024. The expected economic impacts of such development like creating jobs in transportation, hospitality, retail, and tourism, boosting local business revenue. It also improves local connectivity through enhanced inland waterway services, including ferry and RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) services, enabled by integrated cruise circuits,” the minister said.

Mr Sonowal was responding to questions asked by Rajya Sabha member Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade in the Parliament on Tuesday.