PANAJI
With vehicular load increasing due to ongoing flyover works in Porvorim and passenger numbers expected to double on the Panaji-Betim route, the Goa government has decided to deploy two larger and faster ferry boats to ease traffic. These new ferries will be in addition to the existing fleet of ferry boats on this busy route.
Official sources confirmed to The Goan that once the proposal is accorded financial approval, the River and Navigation Department (RND) will deploy these ferries through a tendered agency within 120 days.
“We are in the process of introducing bigger and faster ferries on the Panaji-Betim route and the tender is being finalised. We are awaiting financial approval for the proposal. With traffic expected to rise due to the flyover work, this will help ease congestion on both the roads and the ferry route,” the official said.
Ro-Ro to debut
In another boost to the ferry services, the delayed Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry service is now scheduled to begin in January 2025 with two boats to be deployed on the Ribandar-Chodan route by the RND.
The construction contract has been awarded to Vijai Marine Services on a five-year build-and-operate agreement. “The contract can be extended by two years during which the agency will build the boats, operate them at its own cost and manage crew members including repairs and maintenance,” the official added. The project cost, Rs 30 crore approx, will be borne by the agency
Concerns over high ferry charges have been dismissed by the RND official, who clarified that pedestrian passengers and two-wheelers will not be charged while a fee of Rs 10 will apply to other vehicles, in line with current practices on other ferry routes.
