Panaji, June 24: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has strongly objected to the proposed inauguration of the newly constructed Terminal Building as the Captain of Ports Department on June 26, urging the Central Government to instead dedicate the facility as the headquarters of the proposed Goa Maritime Board.

In a representation submitted to the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, GPCC President Girish R. Chodankar stated that inaugurating the building under the existing Captain of Ports structure would be a regressive step, especially when the Indian Ports Act, 2025 envisages the establishment of State Maritime Boards.

The GPCC pointed out that Goa remains the only coastal state in the country without a dedicated Maritime Board despite its significant role in shipping, inland waterways, fisheries, cruise tourism, coastal trade and maritime infrastructure. According to the party, public funds have been invested in creating modern infrastructure, which should be utilized for future-oriented maritime governance.

Chodankar said inaugurating the building before constituting the Goa Maritime Board would send the wrong message and delay reforms in the state’s maritime sector. He urged the Centre to direct the Goa government to expedite the formation of the board and designate the new building as its headquarters.

The Congress has demanded that the proposed inauguration as the Captain of Ports Terminal be reconsidered and deferred. It has also called for the immediate constitution of the Goa Maritime Board with a clear roadmap, timeline and operational autonomy in line with the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

According to the GPCC, establishing the Maritime Board would generate employment opportunities for Goan youth in port operations, maritime logistics, fisheries modernization, cruise tourism, coastal infrastructure and related sectors. The party also argued that a dedicated board would ensure transparent and professional governance of Goa’s ports and waterways.

Chodankar said Goa cannot afford to lag behind other coastal states that already have Maritime Boards in place. He urged the Union Minister to intervene personally and ensure that Goa receives a modern maritime governance framework before the June 26 inauguration.