PANAJI: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has decided to send a proposal to the central government through the Captain of Ports requesting them to grant Rs 500 crore under the Sagar Mala scheme to promote tourism by building infrastructure including development of jetties in the state.
This decision was taken during the GTDC Board meeting, which was held on Wednesday.
“We want to renovate the existing jetties and create an infrastructure where we want to build toilets, waiting rooms for tourists and information office at designated places,” said GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral. He also said that the Board has proposed to buy high-speed boats of 30-40 seats to provide waterway as a mode of transport for people from the hinterlands to travel to Panaji, Margao and Vasco.
The Board has also decided to float fresh tenders for appointing contractors for the maintenance of the Multi Level Car Parking (MLCP) project and Santa Monica Jetty. The Board also proposed to buy new buses, which would be later designed as Camiaos for conducting sightseeing tours.
With an aim to provide clean and affordable accommodation facilities for the tourists visiting Goa, the GTDC has decided to renovate four of its existing residencies across the state, which includes the residencies at Mapusa, Margao, Vasco and Calangute.
A decision was also taken by the GTDC Board to construct convention centre in South Goa with large halls for events, weddings, offices and adequate parking area.
The Board also agreed to lease out office space to the foreigner regional registration office (FFRO) and India Tourism at the Paryatan Bhavan, Patto.
The other various proposals pertaining to tourism infrastructure were taken up and proposals with regard to pathways, utility services, signages, sewage treatment plants and lighting were also approved by the Board.