Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the proposed Goa Water Metro has entered the first phase of implementation priority and the announcement was made at the inauguration of the boat-shaped Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji. The terminal building cost Rs 488.7 mn and was formally opened on Friday, the minister added. The event underscored a renewed focus on maritime infrastructure in the state.

He said infrastructure projects worth Rs 13 bn have been completed by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) since 2014. Sonowal indicated that projects totalling more than Rs 20 bn will be undertaken in the coming years, covering the redevelopment of Berth No. nine at Vasco Harbour, capital dredging and other special initiatives. The minister said these works aim to strengthen operational capacity and regional connectivity.

The Mormugao Port Authority has been described by the minister as India’s first green port, reflecting investments in environmentally conscious facilities. He said the proposed Goa Maritime Board, once constituted, will work jointly with the authority to prepare a futuristic master plan for the development of Goa’s coastline. Officials expect the joint planning to align development with sustainability goals.

The proposed Goa Water Metro envisages a 111-km river transit network with nine major terminal hubs and is modelled on the Kochi Water Metro. The project is expected to deploy up to 87 high-speed vessels to provide an alternative mode of transport and ease road congestion across the state. Planners see the scheme as part of a wider push to diversify commuter options.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described the trajectory as moving towards a modern, sustainable and future-ready maritime ecosystem at the ceremony. The minister and state leadership signalled that the combined initiatives would enhance tourism, local mobility and port efficiency. Implementation timelines and tendering details were said to follow standard procurement processes.