Two ferries to operate on Ribandar-Chorao route
PANAJI
After several delays, Goa is finally set to operationalize two Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries on the Ribandar-Chorao route within one month.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Wednesday confirmed that the ferries, built in Goa, have the capacity to replace six traditional ferry boats on just one route.
“For the first time, we are using high-speed technology for navigation. Each ferry can carry over 12-14 four-wheelers along with 150 passengers. The two Ro-Ro ferries can handle the load equivalent to six traditional ferry boats operating at a time on just one busy route,” he said, adding the Ro-Ro will be commissioned on the Ribandar-Chorao route in the first phase.
The minister added that this initiative indicates Goa’s capability in building its own modern vessels and infrastructure. “The way this progresses, it will prove the capabilities of our navigation system. These ferries can later be deployed on other busy routes too,” he said.
The launch of the Ro-Ro ferry service had faced multiple delays, with the most recent rescheduling announced in March this year. Earlier, the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd in collaboration with the Captain of Ports and the River Navigation Department, had undertaken the ‘Widening of Ribandar Ferry Ramp’ project.
According to a previous statement issued by IPSCDL, the project is aimed at introducing advanced Ro-Ro ferry services to replace the ageing fleet with modern, efficient vessels. The upgrades are expected to enhance commuter convenience and promote the use of inland waterways for public transport.
To accommodate the larger vessels, the existing ferry ramp at Ribandar has been widened from nine metres to 26 metres, involving an extension of 17 metres. The minister confirmed that the ramp work has also been completed. The Ro-Ro recently made a trial run in the River Zuari.
