SALIGAO
Many office goers, college students, school-going children residing at Betim, Reis Magos, Pilerne and nearby areas use this mode of transport to go to Panaji. However, it has been found that ferry boats plying along the Betim-Panaji ferry route reportedly do not follow a proper time table, due to which the commuters face a lot of hardship. The students and office goers, who reached Betim on Friday morning to go to Panaji were disappointed, as only one ferry boat Zuari was plying on the route. They had to wait for a long time for the ferry boat to arrive from Panaji. A daily commuter, J Pereira, said there is no time table for the ferry boats, due to which the problem arises. “The commuters are at the mercy of the River Navigation Department (RND). During peak hours, there is heavy rush at Betim ferry wharf and hence the RND should ply a minimum of two ferry boats on the route regularly to provide better service to the people,” said Pereira. When contacted the traffic section of the RND, an official on condition of anonymity said, “Presently, there is no ferry boat available to ply along the Betim-Panaji route. Most of the ferry boats are undergoing repairs. The department is trying to send one more ferry boat SAL in the evening to Betim to clear the rush of commuters,” said the official.
STRANDED AT THE FERRY POINT
Just one ferry boat plies on the busy Betim-Panaji route Office goers, school and college students residing at Betim, Reis Magos, Pilerne and nearby areas affected No time-table followed and wait on either wharf is long RND official says most ferry boats under repairs and no spare available
