NT Reporter
Panaji
Amid the push for the maritime sector by the Union government, the state has yet to come out with a feasible maritime master plan for the development of infrastructure projects in ports and jetties along with the transportation of cargo via inland waterways.
On Friday, Captain of Ports, Panaji, Octavio A Rodrigues, indicated that the maritime master plan is delayed and likely to be prepared by December 2025.
He said the plan is awaiting the appointment of a consultant, for which the tendering process was recently completed. “In the absence of an approved master plan, the state is losing out on central funding for future projects,” said Rodrigues.
Rodrigues said that work done so far in preparation of the master plan includes the constitution of a State Maritime Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC) on June 13, 2024, as mandated by the port ministry. The committee’s role is to facilitate inter-departmental collaboration and drive the holistic development of Goa’s maritime and inland water transport sector. Two meetings of the SMWTC have been conducted so far.
The Captain of Ports
department has proposed the construction of nine jetties under the Sagarmala scheme in Aldona, Ribandar, Old Goa, Pilgao, Banastarim and Savordem, as part of the master plan. However, five jetties will now be constructed
in phase two of the Sagarmala project.
The master plan envisages dredging across rivers for safe navigation and last-mile connectivity, developing road and rail network connectivity from loading and unloading jetties, and the adoption of digital technology in the Panaji port.
“The focus areas of the plan will be promoting green energy under the Harit Nauka scheme and adoption of green fuel by retrofitting of vessels. Towards green fuels, the department plans to encourage the use of hybrid and electric vessels,” said Rodrigues.
The MoPSW has directed all coastal states to prepare state maritime and waterways master plans that must incorporate all maritime projects proposed to be taken up in the state. The CoP is the nodal agency for preparing the master plan.
The Captain of Ports spoke at the India Maritime Week 2025, organised by the Mormugao Port Authority and the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also attended the event.
Goa’s maritime ecosystem comprises around 35 government jetties (including floating jetties) and 89 private jetties. The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) is the only major port, while the five minor ports are in Tiracol, Chapora, Panaji (CoP), Betul and Talpona. Of the minor ports, only the CoP is functioning.
