MADGAON

also called Margao, town, west-central Goa state, western India. Madgaon is situated on the railway that extends from Marmagao port to Castle Rock in Karnataka state. The third largest city in Goa, it gained importance with the development of Marmagao port, the best harbour between Bombay and Cochin. An industrial estate just outside the city, a cold-storage plant for fish, and a large agricultural-produce market have strengthened its economic position. The city is not far from Colva, considered one of India's most beautiful beaches. Pop. (1981) town, 53,076; metropolitan area, 64,858.