OLD GOA
In a major relief to residents of Divar, the River and Navigation Department (RND) has decided to resume the Old Goa-Divar ferry route from Friday morning.
The RND has already notified about the restarting of the ferry route to the Sao Mathias and Goltim-Navelim panchayats in Divar.
When contacted, a RND official informed that ferry services along the Old Goa-Divar route would resume from 5 am on Friday as the repair and reconstruction work on the Old Goa ramp has been completed.
It may be recalled that the route was suspended from October 11 and it was expected to be completed on December 11.
However, the Divar locals had urged officials to expedite the repair work so that ferry services could be resumed before the onset of St Francis Xavier’s Novena and Feast in Old Goa when there would be a huge rush of traffic.
Due to the closure of the Old Goa-Divar ferry route, traffic chaos was also witnessed at the Ribandar-Divar ferry route due to the rush of vehicles to cross to and from the island.
When contacted, a local Chillaya Sawant expressed happiness that the ferry services are being resumed ahead of schedule.
“Divadkars are happy that the repair work has been completed and that the route will be opened ahead of schedule as it would help alleviate the suffering which the people went through for the last one and half month,” Sawant informed.
However, Sawant hoped that the RND staff provides better services to the people of Divadkar, particularly during the times of emergencies.
