PANAJI
A sharp rise in daily commuter traffic along the Chorao-Ribandar route has prompted the River Navigation Department to increase ferry frequency, as Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) vessels have been drawing a large number of passengers, including the workforce from neighbouring Maharashtra.
Officials stated traffic on the route has risen by as much as 60-70 per cent since the induction of two Ro-Ro ferries, which has increased the count of passengers as well as two-wheelers and four-wheelers in a single trip.
“Ever since the two Ro-Ro ferry boats were introduced, the traffic has increased by 60-70 per cent. Besides locals, Maharashtrians who would travel to Panaji via Porvorim are now using this ferry route,” Director of the River Navigation Department, Vikram Raje Bhosale, said.
To manage the increased demand, the department has expanded services during both daytime and late-night hours. The current daytime fleet includes two Ro-Ro vessels and two conventional ferries, with an additional service introduced to ease congestion. Night operations have also been extended, with three ferry services now running till midnight. “There is rush even during the nighttime,” Bhosale said.
The department is also preparing for a further spike in demand during the upcoming Shri Lairai Devi Zatra, the annual event that draws large crowds from across Goa. Bhosale said one or two additional ferries may be deployed depending on passenger volume.
Meanwhile, the busy Panaji“Betim route is set to receive two new “cruise-like” ferries by the end of the month, slightly behind the earlier April timeline. The vessels are intended to replace ageing conventional boats that have experienced technical disruptions, particularly during the monsoon season. The RND director has confirmed the development.
Each of the new ferries will be able to carry up to eight cars, 25 two-wheelers and around 100 passengers, offering a significant capacity boost on one of the state’s most heavily used crossings.
