With an objective to provide upgraded and amplified services to foreign tourists visiting Goa via a cruise ship, the Mormugao Port Trust is working on a scheme to introduce a ferry circuit. The only port trust which is managed and looked after by the central government, the Mormugao body will launch the ferry facility to create a network that would link a string of beach locations in North Goa and South Goa districts of the coastal state.
Ferry services to be launched on 3 or 4 designated routes
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The latest decision was announced by the chairman of the Trust, E. Ramesh Kumar, during an online event that was organised as a part of the Maritime India Summit 2021. Kumar was quoted saying, “The ferry service that we are planning is designated to be on three or four identified routes whether from South of Goa to Dona Paula and onwards, South of Goa to Captain of Ports jetty at Panaji and onwards to Old Goa or from South of Goa to any of the beach destinations like Candolim, Calangute, Baga and so on.”
According to the current proposals, the authorities are also trying to settle plans for a colour coded ferry facility that would be available to the visitors on both sides of the hop-on-hop-off buses. It is noteworthy that the ferry equipped with announcement facilities in multiple languages shall also offer refreshments to its passengers on the way.
A new commercial hub to come up near the port terminal
The chairman further stated that there are plans to establish a commercial centre, close to the terminal that would provide a market for the tourists and visitors. Adorned with modern amenities, the centre will also carry symbols of rich old Goan heritage. Apart from Goa, this hub shall also comprise a captivating array of handicrafts, handlooms and food sourced from different states across the country.
In addition to this, cultural and recreational events like music and dance shows from Goa and other regions will be a significant attraction for the cruisers. All in all, the authorities have planned to completely renovate the experience of cruising close to the coast.
