Vasco city is one of Goa' s largest industrial and commercial cities located about 39 kms. from Panaji. As the name suggests, Vasco-da-Gama city inherited its name from the Portuguese explorer and the former viceroy, Vasco-da-Gama and is locally known as Vasco. Located at close proximity to Marmagoa harbor and Zuari river, the city was originally called Sambhaji. This coastal town came under Portuguese rule in 1543 A.D. and evolved as a leading export-import trade centre for India on a global platform.

Vasco city is based around the Marmagoa port which is the one of the two natural harbors on the west coast of India. One can often see huge tankers, and warships of the Indian navy anchored here. The city grew over time and infrastructure improved to accommodate more people. Vasco was amongst the first cities in Goa to be connected by rail and is close to Goa's only International airport.