Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Goa's new Captain of Ports Terminal Building on June 26th in Panaji, a ₹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. The G+3 building, developed by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), spans more than 4,405 square metres and replaces the existing inadequate office. Inspired by the form of a ship docked along the riverbank, the new terminal overlooks the Mandovi River and serves as both an administrative hub and a landmark celebrating Goa's maritime heritage.
The building features a pile foundation using composite steel-and-reinforced-concrete structure for durability. It houses the Captain of Ports Department along with modern passenger facilities, double-height public lobby, conference facilities, marine and hydrographic offices, navigational control infrastructure, radio communications centre, and public amenities. Additional features include a rooftop amphitheatre with seating capacity of about 450, an indoor restaurant, and an open terrace for hosting public and maritime events while creating revenue opportunities.
Sonowal highlighted India's maritime sector transformation over the past twelve years, noting that ports have nearly doubled their capacity while vessel turnaround time reduced from 95 hours to 41 hours. India's seafaring workforce has grown to more than 3.23 lakh, coastal cargo movement has more than doubled, cruise passenger traffic increased more than fourfold, and operational National Waterways expanded from three to 32. India has emerged as the world's leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage.
Goa has emerged as a leader in maritime reforms, becoming the first state to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. The proposed Goa Maritime Board, Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy, and Maritime Master Plan will further strengthen the state's maritime ecosystem. Mormugao Port Authority has completed infrastructure projects worth more than ₹1,300 crore since 2014, with projects exceeding ₹2,000 crore under implementation including redevelopment of Berth No. 9, Vasco Bay Project with new fishing harbour, capital dredging for deep-draft berths, and modern Seafarers' Club. Mormugao Port has become India's first Green Port and first to introduce Green Ship Incentives.
In a major announcement, Sonowal stated that the proposed Goa Water Metro project has been brought under Phase-I implementation priority to provide sustainable, efficient and environment-friendly urban mobility. The Minister also commended the Captain of Ports Department for strengthening river transport through modern floating jetties, passenger terminals and improved navigational safety systems. He congratulated the Goa Government on establishing the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence (GIME), which will serve as a centre of excellence for maritime education, inland waterways training, vessel operations, safety, water sports and skill development.
The project aligns with the Government of India's broader vision of port-led development under the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to strengthen coastal connectivity, improve logistics efficiency and promote sustainable economic growth.