PANAJI
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Saturday said the River Navigation Department (RND) continues to struggle due to the absence of its own execution agency, leaving it dependent on the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for all major works.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the extension and re-reconstructed Diwar ferry ramp, the minister alleged one of these agencies failed to respond to RND-related works for almost a decade.
“This has led to prolonged delays in carrying on with projects and routine repairs. However, despite these constraints, our long-awaited Diwar Ro-Ro ferry service is expected to begin within the next six months,” he added.
A year ago, the department had listed six ferry ramps left in complete disrepair for more than six years, allegedly because of PWD’s neglect, despite reminders for urgent repairs. These included Keri-Tiracol, Tuem-Camurlim, Narva-Diwar, Old Goa-Piedade, Volvoi-Surla and Ribandar-Chorao.
