Tag: Goa infrastructure

Business

Panaji Unveils ‘The Riverfront’, Its Largest Outdoor Riverside Venue

Tanisha Cardozo

The historic city of Panaji has added a striking new landmark to its cultural landscape with the launch of ‘The Riverfront’, now touted as the state capital’s largest outdoor venue. Stretching 700 feet along the banks of the scenic Mandovi River, the venue offers sweeping sunset views and the capacity to host up to 1,000 guests.

Located near the erstwhile Mandovi Hotel, a well-known city landmark, The Riverfront is designed to host a wide range of events, including weddings, social celebrations, corporate gatherings, pop-up events, exhibitions and cultural evenings. The venue features a private access river jetty, modern infrastructure, dedicated service areas and parking space for 55 vehicles.

Developed by the Bengaluru-based MRG Group, the project reflects the group’s growing footprint in Goa’s hospitality and real estate sectors. The architectural design remains understated, allowing event planners the flexibility to shape the ambience according to their needs while maintaining harmony with Panaji’s architectural and cultural character.

Dr K. Prakash Shetty, Chairman of the MRG Group, said the intention was to create a space that blends seamlessly with Panaji’s identity. He emphasised that the Mandovi is central to the city’s character and that the venue was envisioned to complement its presence rather than overshadow it.

The MRG Group owns several hospitality brands across India, including The Goldfinch Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, along with other business ventures. With The Riverfront, Panaji strengthens its position as a vibrant destination for large-scale events set against one of Goa’s most picturesque backdrops.

Social

ONGC Inaugurates 4,000-Seater Convention Centre in Goa, Targets Mega Events

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

ONGC has unveiled a new 4,000-seater convention centre in south Goa, significantly enhancing the state’s capacity to host large conferences and marquee national events. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the facility is strategically located just a 15-minute ferry ride from prominent beachside resorts, offering both convenience and scenic appeal.


The expansive campus is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a floating jetty and a helipad with four parking points, ensuring seamless connectivity by sea, air, and road. These features position the venue as a premium destination for high-profile gatherings, cultural festivals, corporate summits, and award ceremonies on the scale of Filmfare.

With its coastal setting and integrated transport facilities, the convention centre is expected to boost Goa’s profile as a preferred destination for large-format events while supporting tourism and allied economic activity in the region.

Human Interest

GCCI Highlights Urgent Infrastructure and Safety Concerns to South Goa Collector

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken a proactive step toward addressing pressing civic and infrastructure concerns in South Goa by submitting a detailed representation to Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of South Goa. The initiative reflects GCCI’s growing involvement in ensuring smoother trade logistics, safer roads, and improved living and working conditions for the people of the region.

Led by Shri Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee, the delegation met with the Collector and outlined a series of critical issues impacting the region’s development. The meeting underscored GCCI’s commitment to public welfare, responsible business, and collaborative governance, with an emphasis on urgent interventions and sustainable solutions.

The representation began by acknowledging the reopening of the Goa–Belgaum Road via Anmod, which had previously caused significant delays and disruptions for trade and commuters. While the reopening was welcomed, GCCI pressed for the completion of the remaining three-kilometre stretch at Ramnagar, highlighting that this small section continues to hinder seamless connectivity.

Concerns around road safety were also strongly raised, particularly the increasing number of accidents at Verna Junction. GCCI requested the deployment of permanent traffic police personnel at the junction to ensure disciplined vehicle movement and prevent future mishaps. In line with improving traffic management, the representation called for better monitoring of heavy vehicles through speed checks, upgraded road signage, dedicated lanes for goods transport, and road safety awareness campaigns.

Infrastructure issues were not limited to roads. GCCI voiced its concern about the deteriorating state of the Old Borim Bridge and requested a status update on the construction of the new bridge. The Chamber also made a strong case for the urgent establishment of dedicated truck terminuses in both North and South Goa to eliminate the chaos of haphazard parking and reduce congestion on key transport routes.

Civic issues such as indiscriminate garbage dumping along Airport Road, Railway Station Road, and national highways were flagged as health and environmental hazards. GCCI stressed the need for regular garbage collection, better waste management protocols, and stricter enforcement against violators.

A special focus was placed on the fishing community’s safety, especially in the wake of a recent boat accident where a fisherman saved 27 lives. GCCI recommended mandatory safety checks for fishing vessels after the monsoon, timely dissemination of weather alerts, the provision of life-saving gear, and periodic mock drills involving all relevant agencies. They also requested that the brave fisherman who undertook the rescue operation be formally recognised and felicitated for his heroic efforts.

The South Goa Collector assured GCCI that these matters would be looked into with urgency and would be brought to the attention of the respective departments for action. She also expressed her appreciation for GCCI’s initiative in taking up civic concerns on behalf of the business community and the public.

GCCI reiterated its readiness to support and collaborate with the district administration and other stakeholders in finding feasible, time-bound solutions to the raised issues. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work towards inclusive development, where industry growth is matched with improved infrastructure and public well-being.

Travel

Goa Unveils Four Landmark Tourism Projects with Visionary Push Toward Sustainable Growth

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa marked a monumental day in its tourism evolution with the foundation stone laying of four landmark projects aimed at transforming the state’s tourism offerings through sustainability, culture, and community empowerment. The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.

The projects include the Town Square at Porvorim, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi, PM Ekta Mall at Chimbel, and the Eco-Tourism Project at Harvalem. Each initiative has been designed to add depth to Goa’s tourism identity — extending beyond beaches and nightlife, and into heritage, nature, craftsmanship, and inclusive growth.

The Town Square at Porvorim is envisioned as an urban community hub, integrating green spaces, walking trails, amphitheatres, and recreational zones. It serves both locals and visitors as a smart leisure space and a model for community-centric urban tourism.

At Farmagudi, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum will pay tribute to the legendary Maratha warrior. Through interactive exhibitions and immersive storytelling, the museum will highlight the cultural, maritime, and historical legacy of the Konkan coast, enhancing Goa’s cultural tourism map.

The PM Ekta Mall in Chimbel, developed under the Government of India’s Unity Mall scheme, is a ₹200 crore initiative that promotes “One District, One Product.” It will serve as a national platform for artisans, local producers, and self-help groups to connect directly with consumers, facilitating cultural exchange and entrepreneurship.

Harvalem, known for its natural beauty, will now house an eco-tourism project that promotes sustainability through eco-trails, interpretation centres, and infrastructure built with minimal environmental impact. It reflects Goa’s ongoing commitment to regenerative tourism, preserving biodiversity while offering rich experiences for conscious travellers.

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah praised the vision behind the projects, saying they strike the perfect balance between tourism development, cultural preservation, and ecological protection. CM Dr. Pramod Sawant reiterated that these initiatives represent Goa’s resolve to build world-class infrastructure that empowers both people and the economy.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized the state’s shift from season-dependent tourism to a year-round experiential model that connects visitors with Goa’s deeper identity. These projects, he noted, are a testament to Goa’s determination to create a tourism future that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.

As foundation stones are laid today, a stronger, more diverse, and future-ready Goa begins to take shape.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism Hands Over 20 Refurbished Public Toilets to Sulabh for Better Sanitation at Tourist Spots

Tanisha Cardozo

On 4th September 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, took a major step toward enhancing public sanitation by handing over the operation and maintenance of 20 refurbished public toilets across key tourist destinations to Sulabh International Social Service Organization (SISSO). This initiative is closely aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Goa’s long-term vision for sustainable tourism and improved public infrastructure.

Previously developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the 21 public convenience blocks spanned prominent tourist zones including Ashwem, Morjim, Anjuna, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Panaji KTC Bus Stand, Siridao, Margao KTC, Colva, Benaulim, Sernabatim, Fatrade, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, and Palolem. However, these facilities had been under the operational charge of M/s. Akatva Speciality Services Pvt. Ltd. since 2021.

Despite initial expectations, the performance of the operator fell significantly short. Issues ranged from non-maintenance and delays in constructing new toilets to a complete lack of surveillance and non-payment of license fees. This led to the termination of the agreement by GTDC in June 2024, following legal proceedings where the operator also failed to fulfill interim arbitration conditions. GTDC subsequently repossessed all 20 toilet blocks, secured the sites through official panchanamas, and arranged for temporary security to prevent further degradation.

In response to growing tourist demand and the importance of clean sanitation facilities in a coastal destination like Goa, the government took swift action to refurbish the facilities and hand over their upkeep to Sulabh International—a nationally recognized organization known for its expertise in public sanitation. The toilets located at high-traffic areas such as Baga, Colva, Morjim, Siridao, Sernabatim, Varca, Mobor, Cavelossim, and Fatorda are now operational under a “pay and use” model managed by Sulabh. In one unique instance, the Candolim panchayat has been entrusted with refurbishing and managing the toilet block in their jurisdiction.

The handover is initially set for a period of three months and may be extended for another three months based on performance and outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment not only to maintaining hygienic public spaces but also to creating a positive impression for both domestic and international tourists visiting the state.

By ensuring that these essential services are managed by capable hands, Goa is reinforcing its position as a clean, safe, and sustainable tourism destination, while setting a model for effective public-private partnerships in infrastructure management.