Impressed by the solar passenger ferry boats in Kochi, Goa's Transport Minister has reportedly proposed the concept for the state which would be in addition to the existing fleet of traditional ferryboats plying across 18 routes.
The government plans to introduce the boat on a trial basis on two routes namely from Sanvordem to Panaji via Shiroda and from Aldona to Panaji. This is a welcome move by the government as solar-operated ferry boats have minimal sound and exhaust pollution and are cost-effective.
However what comes as a surprise is that it is proposed to charge the commuters for utilizing this service. It must be said that solar energy is available free of cost and the only cost that has to be borne is for maintenance. It is understood that a conventional ferry-boat consumes diesel which costs a whooping Rs. 26.55 lakhs per year and the total operating cost amounts to 30.37 lakhs per year.
However the operating cost of a solar-powered ferry is reportedly about 1.5 lakh per year. This minimal cost of maintenance could be borne by the government and travelling by ferry made free of cost while introducing the concept of solar-powered ferries on other routes in the state as well.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
