In an effort to transform the experience of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into an inclusive and barrier-free one, the Goa government recently inaugurated a specially designed Accessible Boardwalk at Miramar Beach — an initiative aimed at providing seamless access for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to the beach and even into the water.
Developed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), this inclusive infrastructure also served as a highlight for delegates who attended this year’s edition of the International Purple Fest 2025, held earlier this month.
The project, undertaken and completed in record time by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), provides seamless and safe access for persons with disabilities (PwDs) to the beach and into the waters — making Miramar beach one of the most inclusive leisure spaces in the state.
ACCESS TO ALL
The inauguration was attended by the Minister for Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Dessai; Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte; State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar; Director, Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Varsha Naik; Secretary for Persons with Disabilities, Taha Haziq; Managing Director, GTDC, Kuldeep Arolkar; Deepak Narvekar; GM-GTDC, Gavin Dias; Vishwesh Naik, Wagle and other GTDC officials were also present.
To further enhance the experience, floating wheelchairs were made available, enabling persons with disabilities to safely and comfortably enjoy the sea during the Purple Fest. The dignitaries commended the efforts of the GTDC and the Department of Social Welfare for creating a permanent infrastructure that aligns with Goa’s vision of accessible tourism and inclusive development.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai, said, “The inauguration of the boardwalk at Miramar beach is a reflection of Goa’s unwavering commitment to inclusion. Through the International Purple Fest, we are not only celebrating the spirit and potential of persons with disabilities, but also ensuring that accessibility becomes a permanent feature in our development plans.”
INCLUSIVITY IN TOURISM
Commenting on the initiative undertaken by GTDC in support of Persons with disabilities, Minister for Tourism, Rohan Khaunte, stated, “Tourism in Goa has always been about experiences — and every experience should be for everyone.”
“This boardwalk at Miramar is a proud milestone under our vision of ‘Tourism for All.’ By integrating accessibility into our beach infrastructure, we are redefining Goa’s tourism landscape to be more inclusive, compassionate, and globally inspiring,” the minister added.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities stated that Accessibility is the bridge between limitation and participation. With the inauguration of the Miramar boardwalk, Goa demonstrates that inclusion is not a favour — it’s a right. This initiative will allow persons with disabilities to enjoy the beauty of the sea like everyone else, making the International Purple Fest 2025 a truly barrier-free celebration.
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