The new terminal was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Goa Ministers Shri Digambar Kamat, Shri Subhash Phal Dessai and other dignitaries.      Describing the facility as the “Gateway to the Riverbanks of Goa,” Shri Sonowal said the iconic terminal celebrates Goa’s rich maritime heritage while laying the foundation for a future driven by sustainable connectivity, tourism and inland water transport.      Highlighting the transformation of India’s maritime sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Minister said the sector has emerged as a key pillar of the country’s economic growth over the past twelve years through unprecedented investments in ports, waterways and coastal infrastructure.   Shri Sonowal noted that Goa has emerged as a national leader in maritime reforms by becoming the first state in the country to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. The legislation aims to establish uniform standards for inland vessel operations, enhance passenger safety and promote ease of doing business in inland water transport across India. He further highlighted that Mormugao Port has become India’s first Green Port, reflecting the country’s growing focus on environmentally sustainable port operations, clean energy adoption and green logistics.

In another major announcement, Shri Sonowal said the ambitious Goa Water Metro project has been brought under Phase-I priority implementation. Inspired by the success of water-based urban mobility initiatives, the project is expected to provide an efficient, eco-friendly and seamless mode of transportation, while reducing road congestion, strengthening last-mile connectivity and boosting tourism across the state’s waterways.       The Minister expressed confidence that the combined initiatives would position Goa as a national model for sustainable, port-led development and inland water transport, while unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, employment generation and tourism. He also thanked the Government of Goa, elected representatives and officials for their continued support in advancing the state’s maritime infrastructure and connectivity.