Scrap Casino, Hotel Project at Junta House Site; Build Multi-Level Parking Facility Instead, Urges Panaji Councillor Jack Sukhija

Scrap Casino, Hotel Project at Junta House Site; Build Multi-Level Parking Facility Instead, Urges Panaji Councillor Jack Sukhija

~ Questioning the reported hotel-casino plans at the historic Junta House site, the Panaji councillor has called for a redevelopment model centred on public amenities and multi-level parking.

Panaji, June 11 2026 – Panaji councillor Jack Sukhija on Thursday urged the state government to reconsider the proposed redevelopment of the historic Junta House site, which is scheduled to make way for a casino and a hotel project at the erstwhile iconic administrative hub, stating that the prized government-owned real estate, which lies in the heart of the state capital, should be utilised to address Panaji’s growing parking and traffic challenges rather than contribute to them.

“The question we have to ask is, do we prioritise commercial development over civic amenities for the city, especially in public infrastructure? I think the answer is no. The citizens of Panaji are very, very clear. They have voiced their opinion. They have many ideas on what this iconic structure should be and none of that includes a casino and a hotel project right in the centre of Panaji,” Jack told the media at a press briefing outside the historic building in Panaji.

The Panaji councillor said the site’s central location makes it too important to be viewed purely as a commercial opportunity, with the city already struggling with traffic congestion, double parking and a shortage of parking spaces.

“What I would suggest is you utilise the majority of the area for a multi-storey paid parking facility. You can have a little bit of commercial activity around. There are suggestions coming that you can make it with vertical gardens. There will be an event floor on top. The observatory will be retained here and various other citizen-centric uses like agricultural hubs, urban agricultural hubs or training centres for our youth,” he said.

Constructed in the mid-1960s, the six-storeyed Junta House served as a major government administrative complex and housed an astronomy centre, making it a prominent post-Liberation landmark closely linked to Panaji’s civic and socio-cultural history.

Jack also said he would continue engaging with residents and stakeholders to push for a redevelopment plan reflecting the aspirations of Panaji’s citizens.

Longtime Panaji resident Eliath Fernandes, who also addressed the media, said that Panaji’s citizens hardly find any parking space in the city. “There is immense congestion and a lot of double parking. Junta House presents a great opportunity to create a favourable outcome for the public. I think it is essential that this project be used for a multi-storey parking facility because this is the need of the hour right now.”

Photo caption – Panaji councillor Jack Sukhija addresses the media at the iconic Junta House in Panaji on Thursday. During the press briefing, Jack called for a public-centric redevelopment of the historic site.