Goa’s cruise tourism dream hit, as contract for terminal gets nixed | Goa News – The Times of India

Panaji: The contract with Gurgaon-based RCC-ACC for the Rs 72 crore cruise terminal at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has been terminated. Work came to a halt in the Oct–Dec quarter, prompting Cochin Port Authority, the project management consultant, to issue a termination notice.Port officials said the private contractor faced financial difficulties, while RCC-ACC claimed delays in securing Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approvals stalled the project.The termination notice, issued on Dec 10, cited failure to execute the work. RCC-ACC moved the Kerala high court, challenging the decision and obtaining a stay, putting the project in limbo.The contractor argued that work could not proceed without CRZ clearance. Records show the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority granted approval in Oct 2024, over two years after the contract was awarded and the foundation stone laid. The high court initially granted a one-month stay on Dec 18 and later extended it by two months, restraining coercive action against the contractor. The matter is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday.“Cochin Port Authority was the project management consultant, and they terminated the services of the present contractor due to slow progress and lack of firm timelines from their side. MPA is ready to float the new tender. As the present contractor approached the high court against termination and there is a stay on further proceedings, we are waiting for vacation of stay,” said MPA chairman N Vinodkumar.RCC-ACC had secured the Rs 72.1 crore contract to build the international and domestic Acruise terminal. The techno-economic feasibility report was prepared by Feedback Infra Private Limited, while Team One India handled the architectural and engineering design.The project forms part of the Centre’s Cruise Bharat Mission and Sagarmala Scheme to develop major ports as cruise hubs and boost tourism and coastal connectivity. Nearly three years behind schedule, the terminal is unlikely to be operational soon.“We kept Dec this year as the timeline. The HC will hear the matter in the coming week about vacation of stay. If legal hurdles are cleared, it’s possible by the end of this year,” Vinodkumar said.The terminal will include Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax facilities, 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a 3,700 sqm waiting lounge and shopping zone, and a commercial hub within the building.