Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The Goa Barge Owners’ Association has welcomed the landmark announcement of GST 2.0 reforms made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 3, 2025, terming it a progressive step that will benefit the maritime and transport sectors.
In a press note issued on Wednesday, Association President Chandrakant K. Gawas extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for what he described as a “commendable and industry-friendly reform.”
“The introduction of a simplified two-rate GST structure of 5% and 18% is a commendable step towards ensuring greater predictability, transparency, and ease of compliance for businesses across sectors. We deeply appreciate the government’s decision to consider industry feedback and rationalize the GST slabs,” the note stated.
The association said the reforms would particularly benefit the infrastructure and logistics sectors, including inland and coastal shipping. “Essential components and services will now be taxed at a lower rate of 5%, significantly reducing operational costs. The new structure also creates a more conducive environment for planning long-term investments,” it added.
Expressing confidence in the wider impact of the measures, Gawas said, “We are confident that these GST reforms will accelerate infrastructure development, boost demand in both domestic and export markets, and strengthen the Make in India initiative. The positive impact of these measures will be felt not just in Goa, but across India’s maritime and transport ecosystems.”
The association also expressed gratitude to both the Centre and the state government for their proactive approach. “Once again, we express our gratitude to the leadership at the Centre and in Goa for their proactive and industry-friendly approach,” the statement concluded.
