Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Urban Development Minister VishwajIt Rane evening inaugurated the new Vasco fish market complex, marking a major milestone in the long-awaited redevelopment of the port town. The inauguration was held in the presence of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson Girish Borker and other officials.
Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, Rane announced that Vasco is set to witness a ₹150 crore Integrated Infrastructure Development Plan for the historic core of Vasco da Gama — the first such large-scale, comprehensive development initiative for the town.
“With the launch of the Integrated Infrastructure Development Plan for the historic core of Vasco da Gama, we are moving ahead with a ₹150 crore commitment that is rooted in heritage, local identity and people’s needs. This integrated programme brings together heritage conservation, better mobility, revitalised public spaces, waterfront activation and economic opportunity, ensuring that Vasco’s historic heart is strengthened for the present and secured for the future,” Rane said.
The minister said the vision has already translated into visible results. “The new fish market has been completed and provides modern facilities and dignity to the fishing community. The historic Municipal Council building has also been fully restored, preserving its architectural legacy while reinforcing its civic importance. These projects show that we are planning with clarity and delivering with accountability,” he said.
Rane said the programme is being implemented with the assistance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the guidance of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. “With the support of the Centre, Vasco’s historic core is now firmly on a path where development is thoughtful, people-centric and accountable,” he said.
Outlining upcoming projects, Rane said work on the Swatantra Path beautification project will begin shortly. “We are also launching a commercial project worth ₹20 crore within the next 15 days. In addition, we are redeveloping the staff quarters by converting them into commercial complexes, while ensuring that staff are accommodated within the same buildings. By increasing the height of the structures, the MMC can generate revenue, and we will provide the required funds and hand over the completed buildings to the council,” he said, adding that a long-pending demand of the MMC would finally be resolved.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar termed the inauguration a historic moment for the town. “This is a historic day for Vascokars. After nearly 30 years, Vasco finally has a new fish market. We have provided strong infrastructure to the people, and I am thankful to all the previous MLAs who contributed in some way or the other to this long-pending dream project,” Salkar said.
He said the joy on the faces of fish vendors was proof of the project’s impact. “Seeing the happiness among Vasco fish vendors makes this effort worthwhile,” he said.
Salkar said several development works are now moving simultaneously in Vasco. “We are starting the Swatantra Path beautification works and ensuring that Vasco gets the best possible infrastructure. Proposals are easy to make, but execution is the real challenge. The long-pending Chief Officer bungalow project will begin within the next eight days, and the Baina power house is almost ready. People will now see and experience development on the ground,” he said.
MMC chairperson Girish Borker said the inauguration was a proud moment for the municipal council. “This is truly a dream come true. The project was pending for decades. The new Vasco fish market has emerged as a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility and has now been handed over to the fish vendors. We hope they take good care of it and make the most of this long-awaited project,” Borker said.
