GPCC Opposes Captain of Ports Terminal Launch on June 26; Seeks Goa Maritime Board HQ Tag
Panaji: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has submitted a powerful representation to the Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, strongly objecting to the proposed inauguration of the newly constructed Terminal Building as the “Captain of Ports Department” on 26th June, 2026.
In the letter (Ref. No. GPCC/2026/359) addressed to the Union Minister, GPCC President Shri Girish R. Chodankar has categorically stated that inaugurating the building under the outdated Captain of Ports structure would be a regressive step that perpetuates an obsolete administrative system at a time when the Indian Ports Act, 2025 mandates the establishment of a modern State Maritime Board.
Goa remains the only coastal State in India without a dedicated Maritime Board, despite its critical role in shipping, inland waterways, fisheries, cruise tourism, coastal trade and maritime infrastructure. Public funds have been spent on world-class infrastructure. This building must serve Goa’s future — not an outdated department.
Shri Girish Chodankar asserted:
“The inauguration of this new building as the Captain of Ports Terminal before the Goa Maritime Board is constituted will send a wrong message and delay the much-needed transformation of Goa’s maritime governance. We demand that this building be immediately designated as the Headquarters of the Goa Maritime Board. The Central Government must direct the State Government to expedite the Board’s constitution without any further delay. This is not just about a building — it is about securing jobs, investment and dignity for Goan youth, fishermen, tourism stakeholders and every citizen who depends on the sea.”
GPCC’s Non-Negotiable Demands:
1. The proposed inauguration of the building as “Captain of Ports Terminal” on 26th June, 2026 MUST be immediately reconsidered, deferred and cancelled in its present form.
2. The building MUST be officially designated and dedicated as the Headquarters of the Goa Maritime Board before any inauguration takes place.
3. The Government of Goa MUST be directed by the Centre to constitute the Goa Maritime Board at the earliest with a clear roadmap, timeline, and full operational autonomy as envisaged under the Indian Ports Act, 2025.
4. Goa’s entire maritime administration MUST be aligned with the spirit and objectives of the Indian Ports Act, 2025 to unlock the Blue Economy for the benefit of the State, its citizens, youth, traditional fishing community, cruise & tourism industry, port workers and investors.
The GPCC has made it clear that this representation is submitted in the larger public interest of Goa and its people. Establishing the Goa Maritime Board will create direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of Goan youth in port operations, maritime logistics, fisheries modernization, cruise tourism, coastal infrastructure and allied sectors. It will also ensure professional, transparent and accountable governance of Goa’s ports and waterways — something the present outdated structure has failed to deliver.
Shri Chodankar further stated:
“Goans have waited long enough. Other coastal states have moved ahead with dedicated Maritime Boards. Goa cannot be left behind. We will not allow short-term political optics to override the long-term interests of our State, our youth and our maritime stakeholders. The Centre must act now — before 26th June.”
The GPCC has urged the Union Minister to intervene personally and ensure that Goa receives its rightful, modern maritime governance framework without any further procrastination.
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