Tag: Manohar International Airport

Sports

Indian Racing Festival Makes Goa Debut with High-Octane Formula Street Race Weekend

Tanisha Cardozo

The Indian Racing Festival is set to break new ground this February with its first-ever Goa edition, transforming the state into a motorsport hub for a high-octane Formula Street Race Weekend. Scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026, the event will see Round 4 of the Indian Racing League unfold at Manohar International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the festival’s rapid rise. The races will be broadcast on Star Sports Select 2 and streamed live on JioHotstar, ensuring nationwide visibility.

At the centre of the spectacle is a specially designed FIA-grade street circuit measuring 2.064 kilometres. Carved into the expansive airport layout, the track features 12 challenging turns designed to promote close racing, late braking, and constant position battles, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable weekend.

The Goa Street Race comes at a crucial point in the championship, with only narrow margins separating the leading teams. Every lap around the Goa circuit is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the title fight. All teams will compete in identical Ligier JS F422 cars powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged Alpine engine, ensuring that driver skill, strategy, and consistency take precedence over raw speed.

A defining feature of the Indian Racing League is its inclusive team structure. Each team fields four drivers comprising an experienced international racer, an emerging global talent, an Indian driver, and a female competitor. This format is aimed at raising competitive standards while nurturing Indian talent and promoting gender representation at the highest level of circuit racing in the country.

Among the drivers to watch in Goa is Divy Nandan of Hyderabad Black Birds, who arrives with experience in British F4 and GB3, along with a pole position at the Chennai Street Race during the 2024 F4 India Championship. Chennai Turbo Riders will rely on reigning Formula 4 India champion Aqil Alibhai, who brings African representation to the grid, reflecting the series’ growing international footprint. Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru will look to Ruhaan Alva, the youngest race winner in IRL history and one of India’s most promising racing prospects.

European experience is led by Tom Canning of Kolkata Royal Tigers, a British GT champion and Aston Martin Academy graduate, alongside Jemma Moore, who brings GT4 and endurance racing pedigree. Adding star power off the track is an impressive roster of team owners from sport and cinema, including John Abraham with Goa Aces JA Racing, Arjun Kapoor with Speed Demons Delhi, Sourav Ganguly with Kolkata Royal Tigers, Naga Chaitanya with Hyderabad Black Birds, and Kichcha Sudeep with Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru.

Beyond championship points and podium finishes, the Goa Street Race represents a statement of intent for the Indian Racing Festival. By bringing street racing to one of India’s most recognisable destinations, the festival signals its ambition to blend elite motorsport with spectacle and accessibility, positioning racing as both a sporting and cultural experience.

Tickets for the historic Goa Street Race are available on the District by Zomato app and website. Promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, the Indian Racing Festival continues to expand the reach of motorsport in India, following successful street races in Chennai and Hyderabad, while maintaining high standards of safety, operations, and fan engagement.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host World-Class IRF Street Race Weekend at Mopa

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, 9 February: Goa is all set to script a landmark chapter in Indian motorsport with the hosting of the IRF Goa Street Race Weekend, a world-class street racing spectacle that will bring high-adrenaline motorsport action to the state.


Highlighting Goa’s suitability as a host destination, Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL) and Indian Racing Festival (IRF), said the state’s vibrant culture, strong tourism infrastructure and global recognition make it ideal for an event of this scale. He noted that Goa’s cosmopolitan character, excellent connectivity and year-round appeal allow elite motorsport to merge seamlessly with lifestyle and tourism experiences, placing the state firmly on the global sporting calendar.

Reddy, who has been closely involved in the planning of the event, explained the complexity of converting public roads into a professional racing venue. The Goa Street Circuit at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, spans 2.064 kilometres and features 12 turns. Designed in collaboration with technical partners and FIA-standard safety consultants, the circuit has been engineered to meet international racing benchmarks while ensuring optimal spectator experience.

Speaking on the broader significance, Reddy said the IRF Goa Street Race Weekend positions Goa alongside iconic global street-racing destinations. He described the event as a statement of India’s readiness to host international-standard motorsport while reinforcing Goa’s ability to deliver world-class sporting spectacles with global visibility.

The race weekend is expected to generate significant economic and tourism benefits, with increased activity across hotels, transport services, food and beverage outlets and local businesses. Global broadcast exposure is also expected to further strengthen Goa’s brand value as a destination for major sporting and entertainment events.

Emphasising safety, Reddy stated that the circuit has been developed with FIA-standard temporary infrastructure, including reinforced barriers, advanced crash protection systems, dedicated medical and rescue teams, and comprehensive safety protocols. Rigorous pre-event testing and continuous monitoring during race days will ensure the highest safety standards for drivers, teams and spectators.

Reddy also acknowledged the proactive support of the Goa government and local authorities, stating that seamless coordination in planning, permissions and infrastructure made the temporary street circuit at Mopa possible.

Spectators can expect close-quarters racing, strategic overtaking zones and a festival-like atmosphere, with fan engagement activities, merchandise and food and beverage experiences complementing the on-track action. IRF has expressed its intent to make the Goa Street Race a recurring fixture, positioning Goa as a long-term cornerstone of India’s motorsport calendar.

Travel

GCCI Seeks Alternative Route on NH-66 for Smooth Movement of Air Cargo; North Goa Collector Responds Positively

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken up the urgent issue of restricted movement of heavy commercial vehicles on NH-66, which has been adversely affecting air cargo operations to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and Manohar International Airport, Mopa.


A GCCI delegation comprising Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Foreign Trade Officer Mr. Sanket Kaskar, GCCI; along with representatives from GMR, Mr. Purshottam and Mr. Satyajeet, met Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, to discuss the operational challenges faced by exporters and importers due to traffic restrictions and ongoing infrastructure works on NH-66.

During the meeting, GCCI highlighted the severe difficulties faced by six-wheeler and above commercial vehicles transporting time-sensitive air cargo, particularly from key industrial estates. The restrictions have significantly impacted sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce, where strict adherence to flight cut-off timings is critical.

GCCI requested the notification and opening of an alternative route on NH-66 to ensure uninterrupted daytime movement of heavy commercial vehicles, smooth connectivity to Manohar International Airport, Mopa, removal of abandoned vehicles obstructing traffic, and prevention of garbage dumping along the highway.

The delegation also drew attention to the increasing number of accidents on the Porvorim road amid ongoing infrastructure works. GCCI urged the deployment of dedicated traffic police personnel, stricter speed monitoring, improved road signage, creation of dedicated lanes where feasible, and awareness initiatives to promote safer road usage.

Emphasizing the need for stronger logistics infrastructure, GCCI called for the establishment of designated truck termini in both North and South Goa to address traffic congestion and unregulated parking. The Chamber further highlighted the issue of indiscriminate garbage dumping along highways, posing hygiene and safety risks, and sought stricter enforcement and improved waste management measures.

Additionally, GCCI requested stricter traffic regulation on the Dayanand Bandodkar Road from Divja Circle to the ferry point, where continuous traffic congestion is observed due to irregular parking and traffic rule violations. The Chamber also informed the Collector about rent-a-car vehicles and taxis occupying parking spaces in city areas, inconveniencing citizens visiting for work, and sought strict action against such violations.

Responding positively, Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments to arrive at a practical and workable solution. The proposed measures are expected to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement of goods to the GMR-operated Manohar International Airport, Mopa, thereby strengthening Goa’s air cargo ecosystem.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee, stated that improved logistics connectivity is crucial for sustaining Goa’s competitiveness in exports and trade. GCCI also expressed its willingness to participate in joint inspections or surveys to identify the most feasible alternative routes.

The initiative is expected to bring significant relief to exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, and logistics operators, reinforcing Goa’s position as a reliable hub for trade and air cargo movement.

Automobiles

Indian Racing Festival Set for Historic Street Race Debut in Goa on February 14–15

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National, January 20: The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is all set to make its much-anticipated Goa debut with a high-adrenaline Formula Street Race Weekend scheduled for February 14–15, as Round 4 of the championship unfolds at the Manohar International Airport. The announcement was made by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, marking a landmark moment for motorsport in the state.

Following an action-packed Round 3 at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, the championship now heads west as the title battle intensifies. Goa will host a historic FIA-grade street circuit, making its debut as one of the most visually striking and technically demanding tracks in the country.

The 2.064 km circuit, featuring 12 turns, has been specially designed to deliver thrilling racing while offering spectators unmatched accessibility. The layout promises a unique blend of speed, precision, and spectacle, bringing top-tier motorsport to Goan streets for the very first time.

Welcoming the event, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said:
“Hosting a motorsport event of this scale underscores Goa’s capability to stage world-class sports and entertainment experiences. The Formula Racing will drive tourism, create opportunities for local businesses, and open new avenues for youth to explore careers in engineering, technology, event management, and motorsport operations.”

The Indian Racing Festival is also a pioneer of inclusivity in motorsport. Each team fields four drivers—an international veteran, an emerging international driver, an Indian driver, and a female driver—ensuring diversity and collaboration across nationalities and genders.

Street racing remains central to IRF’s vision of redefining motorsport in India. Building on successful street races in Hyderabad and Chennai, Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) continues to push boundaries by blending international-grade circuits, advanced engineering, and immersive fan experiences.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, RPPL, said:
“Street circuits represent the next frontier for Indian motorsport. They bring the action closer to fans and transform how cities engage with racing. The Goa round is a major step forward in this journey.”

Adding glamour to the championship is a lineup of celebrity team owners, including John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Sourav Ganguly, Naga Chaitanya, Kichcha Sudeep, and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand, further elevating the festival’s appeal.

After Round 3, Speed Demons Delhi lead the standings with 82 points, followed closely by Hyderabad Black Birds (81 points) and Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru (72 points). With the top teams separated by narrow margins, the battle for supremacy is expected to intensify in Goa.

Tickets will soon be available on the District by Zomato app. Fans across India can also catch the action live on Star Sports Select 2 and via digital streaming on JioHotstar.

Powered by JK Tyre, fuelled by Nayara, and performance by Mobil1, the Indian Racing Festival continues to accelerate India’s motorsport revolution—bringing world-class racing to the heart of its cities.

Travel

Goa Sees Sustained Rise in Tourist Arrivals as 2025 Figures Signal Strong Momentum

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa continues to consolidate its position as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations, with provisional figures for 2025 reflecting strong and sustained growth across both domestic and international tourist segments. The data points to a steady post-pandemic recovery, driven by improved air connectivity, revival of charter operations, cruise tourism, and a growing focus on quality and regenerative tourism.

In 2025, the State recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals, with domestic tourism forming the backbone of this growth while international arrivals showed a gradual and consistent revival. The operationalisation of Manohar International Airport at Mopa alongside Dabolim Airport has significantly enhanced Goa’s global connectivity, resulting in increased international scheduled flights and a balanced distribution of air traffic.

Charter tourism, traditionally a strong contributor to Goa’s inbound segment, has continued its gradual recovery, while cruise tourism has further complemented the State’s tourism profile by attracting both foreign and domestic passengers. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated that the year-wise data reflects the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and the effectiveness of sustained efforts towards structured and balanced growth, with a clear emphasis on quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and the economy.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also highlighted that coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, destination management, and market outreach have played a key role in strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

As the Department of Tourism continues to diversify source markets, improve visitor services, and promote regenerative tourism practices, Goa remains focused on ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the State’s long-term vision of preserving its natural and cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.