2 new Ro-Ro ferries planned for Diwar-São Pedro route

PANAJI
In a further push to river-based transport and inter-island connectivity, the River Navigation Department (RND) is all set to expand Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services by introducing two new 21-metre ferries on the Diwar“São Pedro route by the end of 2026.
RND Director Vikram Rajebhosle informed that the two new Ro-Ro vessels are expected to be ready by June 2026 and would be smaller in size compared to the existing Ro-Ro ferries. To facilitate their operations, two special ramps will be constructed at Diwar and São Pedro ahead of the monsoon season. The ramps will be funded under the disaster management head, ensuring the timely execution of the infrastructure works.
“We will commence the ramp work shortly and ensure that it is completed before the next monsoons. The work was delayed due to funding issues. But now we have managed it through disaster management funds,” Rajebhosle said.
He explained that the upcoming 21-metre ferries will be capable of carrying eight to nine four-wheelers, around 20 two-wheelers and nearly 50 passengers per trip.
“The introduction of Ro-Ro services on the Diwar“São Pedro route was long overdue,” he said, adding that the service is expected to significantly reduce waiting times, ease traffic bottlenecks and provide faster, more reliable connectivity for residents and commuters.
At present, the RND already operates two larger 35-metre Ro-Ro ferries- Dwarka and Gangotri- on the Ribandar“Chorao route. The ferries started operation from July 14 onwards.
Further expanding the Ro-Ro network, Rajebhosle said that in the next phase, the department plans to deploy two Ro-Ro ferries on the Panaji“Betim route as well, strengthening connectivity across the Mandovi river and reducing dependence on conventional ferry services.
Each of the existing Ro-Ro ferries has the capacity to transport up to 15 cars, 40 two-wheelers and around 100 passengers in a single trip. The actual crossing time between Ribandar and Chorao is just seven minutes, while the complete loading and unloading process is completed within 12 minutes, making the service highly time-efficient.