<p data-path-to-node="2">Goa has marked a major milestone in its coastal transport infrastructure with the official inauguration of the new Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji. Built along the banks of the Mandovi River at a cost of ₹48.87 crore, the state-of-the-art waterfront hub was inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal alongside Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.</p><p data-path-to-node="3">Developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), the G+3 structural landmark is architecturally modeled after a ship docked at a riverbank, spanning an operational area of over 4,405 square meters.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="5"><b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="0">A Tech-Driven Nerve Center for River Navigation</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="6">The upgraded terminal replaces an aging administrative facility to handle Goa's expanding river traffic and administrative requirements:</p><ul data-path-to-node="7"><li><p data-path-to-node="7,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Advanced Monitoring Systems:</b> The hub serves as the central command center for the state's river navigation, integrating modern hydrographic divisions, radio communication loops, and specialized marine safety control rooms.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Public and Corporate Infrastructure:</b> Beyond housing core maritime regulators, the facility features a double-height public lobby, modern passenger amenities, conference halls, and a 450-seat rooftop amphitheater designed to generate ancillary department revenue through public events.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Structural Longevity:</b> To withstand heavy riverfront erosion and weather elements, the entire building was engineered utilizing a deep pile foundation paired with a composite steel-and-reinforced-concrete framework.</p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="9"><b data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Prioritizing the Goa Water Metro Project</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="10">During the launch event, Union Minister Sonowal announced that the highly anticipated <b data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="86">Goa Water Metro project</b> has officially been moved into Phase-I priority implementation. Modeled after successful urban water mobility networks in the region, the upcoming transit system will integrate seamlessly with the new Panaji terminal.</p><p data-path-to-node="11">The initiative aims to significantly reduce mainland vehicular congestion, provide eco-friendly last-mile connectivity for commuter hubs, and build a cohesive network for sustainable coastal tourism. Furthermore, officials highlighted that Goa has become the first state in India to fully implement the Inland Vessels Act, uniforming safety regulations and operational standards across all local inland water lanes.</p>