Goa To Get A ₹120.97 Crore Town Square In Porvorim Under Landmark Tourism Development

Goa’s Tourism Minister has now announced a ₹120.97 crore “Town Square” project in Porvorim under landmark tourism development. The project will also include the revamping of the Porvorim creek and the development of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Farmagudi.

Town Square Announcement Made At A Press Conference

Goa’s Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, unveiled the ₹120.97 crore Town Square project after getting the cabinet approval in a press conference held on 29th May in Mumbai. The tourism minister also stated plans for the revamping of the beautiful Porvorim creek and the development of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, which is a significant part of the state. The press meet was attended by Shri Kedar Naik, director of tourism; Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, managing director of GTDC; and Shri Gavin Dias, general manager of GTDC.

Also Read: App-Based Taxis Could Soon Hit The Goan Roads, Local Taxi Unions Not Pleased

Porvorim Town Square In Goa: A One Of Its Kind Cultural Space 

This Town Square in Porvorim will be the first of its kind in India. It would be a culturally rich and heritage-linked public space that will not only boost tourism in the state but will also promote economic growth. This town square will feature a market court, a welcome court, a fountain space, a movie court, and a heritage court, designed for visitors to enjoy a day out.

The project will also include an Ashoka Stambh and a clock tower, adding more significance to the space. The total cost of the project is believed to be around ₹120.97 crore. From which, ₹90.74 crore will be funded by the central government and ₹35.32 crore by the state government of Goa. The project is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Shri Khaunte also thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and CM Dr Pramod Sawant for their support. He also mentioned that this town square would be modern yet true to the Goan heritage, serving as an open space for artists and cultural entrepreneurs.

Also Read: Largest Church In Asia, 2 Independence Days & More; 8 Interesting Facts About Goa

Creek Enhancements As A Part Of the Landmark Project

The tourism minister also confirmed that the project will be carried out under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, an integral part of a rural tourism circuit. The town square development will also enhance the surrounding creeks, including Torda Creek, Malim Jetty, Virlosa, and Pomburpa Spring. The “Gomant Sarita Poojan” was also announced, with a link to “Ekadasha Teertha” as part of Goa’s spiritual tourism circuit.

Addressing the media, Shri Khaunte stated that there will be no ban on visiting waterfalls or other tourist spots. Necessary safety measures are also being taken into consideration in coordination with the Forest Department and the Goa Forest Development Corporation. He also highlighted the importance of promoting monsoon tourism, encouraging tourists to visit Goa all around the year and not just during peak months.

Expanding Tourism Beyond Beaches And Shacks

For the past three years, there has been a consistent effort to expand Goa’s tourism beyond its beaches. This project is a smart move to attract visitors to Porvorim and encourage them to explore the state’s diverse landscape. Commenting on industrial challenges, Shri Khaunte said, “The world knows about Goa and Goans—‘amka bhivpachi garaj na’. But yes, we need to make some corrections.” 

This new Town Square project is likely to encourage visitors to explore Goa beyond its beaches, shacks, and nightlife. It will offer a chance to engage with Goa’s rich heritage and enjoy new experiences.

Cover Image Courtesy: nidhi.tourism/ website