The central government on Friday said capital dredging work has commenced for a navigational channel to allow a 'Cruise Berth' at Mormugao Port in Goa.
The dredging work was inaugurated by Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, who also holds the portfolio of union minister for road transport and highways.
According to Gadkari, Mormugao will be the first port in the country with a draft of 19.5 metres.
The minister elaborated that on completion of the dredging work, a 185,000 tonne vessel will be able to embark at the port.
Currently, the port can only accommodate an 80,000 tonne vessel.
Gadkari said that for significant development of any port, a draft of 18 metre is essential.
The union minister added that in order to transport cargo from Goa to Hospet in Karnataka, the central government intends to double the railway track between the two places.
