Mapusa: In a major push to heritage tourism, state govt is drafting an ambitious plan to connect all historical forts across the state through a marine waterway network. Announcing the project on Saturday, chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the initiative will be rolled out on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the formal blueprint expected to be unveiled this Oct. It will allow one to visit all forts in the state in a single day.The proposed sea route aims to revolutionise how tourists experience Goa’s history, offering a seamless boat-based circuit that allows visitors to explore all major coastal and inland forts in a single day, Sawant said.Stating that reaching different forts by road is time-consuming, the chief minister said, “Connecting them via waterways will provide quicker, easier access. This will serve as a massive tourist attraction, reviving ancient maritime routes and integrating historical celebrations directly at these fort sites.”The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the newly restored 17th-century Alorna fort in Pernem, which was renovated by the department of archaeology at a cost of Rs 66 lakh.Highlighting the state’s multi-phase conservation strategy, the chief minister noted that govt remains fully committed to preserving Goa’s legacy, including links to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Marathas, and the Sawant Bhosale.While the first phase of Alorna fort restoration is complete, the upcoming second phase will introduce a protective wall, upgraded inner chambers, and a dedicated information center for researchers.Sawant also confirmed that restoration work at the Farmagudi fort is moving towards completion. By leveraging modern technology and PPP efficiency, the state intends to transform these neglected monuments into vibrant hubs for international tourism, historical research, and education, Sawant said.
