Maharashtra will accelerate the development of a modern cruise terminal at Bhagwati Port in Ratnagiri to strengthen coastal tourism, create employment opportunities and boost economic activity in the Konkan region, Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said.
Rane announced the decision during a review meeting held at Mantralaya, stating that the project would help showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential of the Konkan coastline while establishing Ratnagiri as an important cruise tourism destination for domestic and international visitors.
The proposed terminal is expected to provide advanced passenger facilities and support the growth of Maharashtra’s maritime tourism sector. According to Rane, the project will enhance Ratnagiri’s position on the tourism map and contribute to wider economic development in the region.
The minister said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is focusing on improving port infrastructure and promoting coastal tourism in the Konkan belt. He expressed confidence that the Bhagwati Port cruise terminal would become a major driver for tourism, trade and employment opportunities in Ratnagiri and surrounding areas.
The project is also expected to benefit several allied sectors, including hospitality, transportation, tour operators, handicrafts, fisheries and small-scale businesses. Rane said the development would create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide employment avenues for young people in the region.
Providing an update on the project, Rane said the proposal has already received administrative approval, while environmental and other statutory clearances are being processed on priority. The Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) has been completed, and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is nearing completion.
He instructed officials to complete the remaining technical and administrative procedures quickly to ensure timely execution of the project. Rane also emphasised that the cruise terminal should be developed with a focus on modern infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainable growth and benefits for local communities.
The state government believes that the Bhagwati Port cruise terminal can play a significant role in expanding Maharashtra’s coastal tourism network and attracting more visitors to the Konkan region. The project is expected to strengthen the local economy while creating a new maritime tourism hub in Ratnagiri.
Source: The Free Press Journal
