Panaji: In a major boost to Goa’s push for low-emission water transport, the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways has decided to prioritise the state’s water metro project by including it in the first phase of implementation alongside Maharashtra.Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal made the announcement in Panaji on Friday while inaugurating the Captain of Ports terminal building. He also announced an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for various waterways projects in Goa.“To give a boost to Goa’s maritime sector, we have decided to allocate Rs 2,000 crore for different works in Goa. Along with this, the water metro project of Goa will get priority,” Sonowal said.He said the water metro system would benefit both residents and tourists. A water metro is a mass passenger transport system operating on inland, coastal or other water bodies for the movement of people.River navigation minister Subhash Phaldessai said the project could significantly increase passenger traffic. “Water metro is a concept that, if brought to Goa, then our daily passenger movement, which is currently around 50,000, can be increased to 1 lakh if one includes commuters and tourists. Just like rail metro, water metro is for passenger movement. We will create a special purpose vehicle to launch it. We were placed in the second phase of central govt. We have been brought to the first phase so that it can start immediately,” he said.Besides Maharashtra, West Bengal is also part of the first phase.Phaldessai said the water metro vessels would not affect fishermen. “They are just like the current ferries. They will connect all the coastal areas, the forts, the temples, the Old Goa churches. It will allow tourists to explore different places. We will be creating stations along the river bank. We have not yet exploited water tourism. It will also lead to decongestion on the roads,” he said.Meanwhile, ports minister Digambar Kamat said the Goa Maritime Board will be constituted before Sept 30.BoxHeadline: Govt plans disaster management cell at old Captain of Ports buildingPanaji: Govt plans to use the old Captain of Ports building to house a disaster management cell. Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues also refuted suggestions that the new terminal will be used for activities related to off-shore casinos.“Most of us will shift to the new building. The old building, which is a ground-plus-two structure, will continue to be used. The ground and first floors will be used for surveying vessels and other purposes. On the top floor, we will be having a disaster management cell. We have put this before govt and it will be approved,” said Rodrigues.He said that the department of lotteries had shown interest in renting office space in the old building.“We require that space. We may have to do the stability test and repair it and then use it for the department,” he said.Asked specifically if any casinos will be allocated space in the new terminal building, Rodrigues said, “The new building has no provision for the casinos. It is purely for administrative purposes and there could be some coworking spaces but not for casinos.”
