Panaji, September 11, 2026: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Shri Girish Chodankar met Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Shri Aadhav Arjuna and followed up on the proposal for allotment of suitable land at Velankanni for the construction of a Goa House to serve Goans visiting the renowned pilgrimage destination.
The proposal seeks to establish a dedicated facility that can provide accommodation, basic amenities, information and assistance to Goans travelling to Velankanni, thereby ensuring greater convenience, safety and support, particularly for senior citizens, families with children and ordinary pilgrims.
During the meeting, Chodankar also discussed in detail the proposal submitted by the Christian Association of Goa (CAG) regarding the Goa House project and handed over the detailed proposal to the Tamil Nadu PWD Minister.
Chodankar pointed out that a large number of Goans, cutting across religious and social backgrounds, visit Velankanni every year, with many families undertaking the journey regularly.
“A Goa House at Velankanni is not merely about constructing a building. It is about creating a safe, dependable and accessible facility for Goans travelling thousands of kilometres away from home. It can particularly benefit senior citizens, families with children and ordinary Goans,” Chodankar said.
He said that the proposed Goa House could also function as a common support centre for Goans, providing accommodation, basic facilities, information and assistance to visitors from Goa.
The proposal had earlier been taken up with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Shri C. Joseph Vijay, who had assured that the necessary steps would be considered and advised that the matter be pursued with the concerned PWD Ministry.
“Accordingly, I met PWD Minister Shri Aadhav Arjuna and requested him to facilitate the allotment of suitable land for the proposed Goa House. I am hopeful that the Tamil Nadu Government will positively consider this proposal in the larger public interest,” Chodankar said.
Chodankar further stated that the proposed facility could become a permanent public asset for Goans, serving generations of pilgrims and visitors.
“When thousands of our people regularly travel to a particular destination, it is the responsibility of those in public life to think about their convenience, safety and welfare. A Goa House at Velankanni can become a permanent public asset serving generations of Goans,” he said.
The Tamil Nadu PWD Minister was positive about the proposal and assured that the matter would be processed at the earliest. Chodankar said he would continue to follow up with the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure that the proposal is taken forward expeditiously.
