Shoma Patnaik
Panaji
In a boost to tourism in the state, two of Goa’s designated waterways, River Chapora and River Sal, have been selected for Cruise Bharat Mission, a central government initiative aimed at boosting cruise tourism in the country.
Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonawal, told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that Goa’s cruise circuits on Chapora River (NW-25) will operate from Chapora to Alorna Fort, one of the oldest forts in the state and situated 30 km from Mapusa.
The Alorna fort is famous for its architecture and was constructed by the Bhonsales of Sawantwadi in the 17th century.
Cruise circuits on the Sal River (NW-88) will cover the Cavelossim-Betul Fort- Betul lighthouse route, the minister said. The Betul lighthouse is a mark of Goa’s rich maritime history. The lighthouse is octagonal in shape and is located in a region rich in natural scenery.
The Union Ports Ministry said the Cruise Bharat Mission plans to operationalise 51 river cruise circuits across 13 states and three Union territories. Presently, 15 river cruise circuits are operating on 13 national waterways covering nine states.
Cruise Bharat Mission was launched on September 30, 2024, from the Mumbai port. The initiative aims to boost the prospects of cruise tourism in the country and unlock the potential of cruise tourism industry by doubling passenger traffic within five years, by 2029.
While Goa presently has day trip cruises on Mandovi River (NW 68), owned by local cruise operators, the proposed cruise circuits will be longer trips showcasing the state’s cultural heritage.
Besides the Chapora and Sal rivers, the central ministry has also earmarked the upcoming new cruise terminal at Mormugao Port in Vasco as a part of the mission.
Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) received 38 cruise ships and handled 67,594 cruise passengers in 2024-25. The port earned Rs 4.8 crore from cruise tourism during the year.
