![The world-class international and domestic cruise terminal will act as a gateway to Goa.](http://media.assettype.com/gomantaktimes%2F2022-10%2F2a437cef-ba83-4704-aba8-bac0175904ce%2FGT_ARTICLE_BANNERS__3_.png?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has planned the development of a world-class international and domestic cruise terminal which will act as a gateway to Goa. The project will be developed in an area measuring 13.4 acres, close to the existing breakwater berth (cruise berth) by providing additional berthing facilities to domestic cruises on the buffer berth and berth No 3.
The project also involves the facility for Ro-Pax ferry service which is unique and benefits international and domestic cruise passengers by allowing them to crossover into North Goa and other tourist destinations using transportation through waterways.
The total project cost is Rs101.72 crore for the development of the terminal. The project is funded jointly by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the scheme for tourism infrastructure development and by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (Ministry of PSW) under the Sagarmala scheme.
Another Rs21 Cr will be invested by a private operator for the operation and maintenance of the terminal in PPP Mode (Public-Private Partnership Mode).
MPA has also planned the construction of an upramp to the flyover at the Port railway, Baina, to facilitate the movement of cargo from storage yards, at the estimated cost of Rs26.13 Cr, with financial assistance from the Ministry of PSW under the Sagarmala scheme.
Mormugao Port, as Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the Inland Waterways of India (IWAI), has constructed 4 floating jetties at River Mandovi at the cost of Rs9.67 Cr, in coordination with the Captain of Ports. The Captain of Ports has also planned the launch of the solar-electric ferry at the ferry point.
The foundation laying ceremony (Shilanyas) and inauguration of the projects will be at the hands of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, along with Shripad Y Naik, Minister of State for PSW and Tourism, and other dignitaries on 13 October 2022 at 10.30 am at the CoP jetty.
The inauguration of the facilities of the Mormugao Port Authority and the New Mangalore Port Authority will be held at the breakwater berth of Mormugao Port Authority at 2.30 pm.