The expansive 11,000 square metre project will include a host of amenities like a market court, welcome court, fountain court, movie court, heritage court, an Ashoka Stambh, and a clock tower. Designed as a community hub for year-round use, Town Square aims to give local artisans and cultural entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their work, thereby enhancing Porvorim’s appeal to tourists.
Khaunte expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for their steadfast support. “The Town Square will create new opportunities for artists and cultural entrepreneurs, while offering a contemporary space deeply rooted in Goan heritage,” he remarked.
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Goa Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte (C) during the unveiling of the ₹120.97 crore Town Square project in Porvorim.
Out of the total ₹120.97 crore funding, ₹90.74 crore is allocated from the Central Government, while the State Government will contribute ₹35.32 crore. The project is set for completion by March 2026.
In addition to the Town Square, other projects were introduced, such as the beautification of Porvorim Creek and the establishment of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi. These initiatives are part of a larger vision to enhance Goa’s cultural tourism offerings.
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Khaunte also announced the sanctioning of the Porvorim-to-Harvalem Rural Circuit under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. This includes improvements to Torda Creek, Malim Jetty, Virlosa, Pomburpa spring, and the spiritual Gomant Sarita Poojan in Narve, linking it with the Ekadasha Teertha initiative. Furthermore, redevelopment plans for Colva are being prepared under the coastal segment of the same program.
In response to media inquiries, Khaunte clarified that there is no restriction on visiting waterfalls or monsoon-related sites. “Visitor safety is our utmost priority,” he emphasized, mentioning ongoing coordination with the Forest Department and the Goa Forest Development Corporation to ensure safe access.
He also urged for responsible communication about Goa’s tourism narrative, emphasizing efforts to promote “Monsoon Tourism” and broaden perceptions beyond the state’s renowned beaches. “The world knows about Goa and Goans—‘amka bhivpachi garaj na’. We do need to make a few adjustments,” he pointed out, calling on the media to play a proactive role in addressing issues like unregulated taxis and touting.
In the last three years, nearly ₹400 crore worth of tourism infrastructure projects have been authorized for Goa, as the state seeks to attract quality tourists through eco-tourism, adventure tourism, MICE, and wellness initiatives.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to the people of Goa during Statehood Day and highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism. “Warm greetings to the people of Goa on Statehood Day! Goa’s rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, warm hospitality, and various attractions continue to draw visitors from all over the globe,” the President said on X (formerly Twitter).
Warm greetings to the people of Goa on Statehood Day! Goa’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, warm hospitality and several other attractions continue to draw visitors from across the world. Tourists and residents should come together to preserve Goa’s culture and…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 30, 2025
She further called on both tourists and residents to help safeguard the state’s cultural legacy. “Tourists and residents should unite to preserve Goa’s culture and heritage by adopting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local communities,” she stated, adding, “May the state of Goa continue to prosper and contribute to the making of Viksit Bharat.”
Together, the government’s ambitious development plans and the President’s call for responsible tourism highlight a unified effort to secure Goa’s continued growth as a well-rounded and heritage-rich destination.
