PANAJI
With ferry traffic mounting and existing infrastructure straining to keep pace, the River Navigation Department (RND) has moved to expand docking capacity at Chorao, inviting e-tenders for two additional floating jetty pontoons near the Chodan ferry ramp.
The proposed project, estimated at around Rs 1.5 crore, is likely to ease congestion at one of the steadily busy ferry crossings, where officials have stated that the lone existing pontoon is no longer sufficient to handle the volume of vessels.
The tender, which covers the design, construction, supply, installation and commissioning of Inland Register-approved floating jetties, will be opened on April 21.
“The present one is not sufficient to dock ferry boats, as we always have one docked on standby. We need to dock an additional standby,” RND Director Vikram Raje Bhosale told The Goan, explaining the need for e-tender.
The new pontoons will mirror the existing 12-metre structure that had cost Rs 96.6 lakh. Built using RCC-encapsulated polystyrene cores, the floating jetty will be connected to the shore by a marine-grade aluminium gangway, with bollards and handrails to improve commuter safety and movement.
Currently, two Ro-Ro ferries and three conventional boats operate multiple daily trips from Chorao.
The RND stated the additional pontoons will not only reduce wait times for vessels but also improve turnaround efficiency, offering smoother boarding for both commuters and tourists.
Panaji-Betim route
to get new ferries
In another upgrade, the busy Panaji-Betim ferry route will receive two new “cruise-like” vessels in the first week of April, replacing older conventional boats that have faced technical issues, especially during the monsoon.
Director Bhosale revealed that each of the new ferries will be capable of carrying eight four-wheelers, 25 two-wheelers and up to 100 passengers.
“The vessels are likely to be commissioned in the first week of April. It will be a significant capacity boost on one of the State’s most heavily used crossings,” he said.
