Islanders and local residents in Goa are rallying against the proposed toll fees for two-wheelers and a significant fare hike for four-wheelers using ferryboats. The agitation reached a peak as a demonstration took place at the Old Goa ferry ramp, with protesters demanding an immediate rollback of the new rates.
According to the revised tariff, two-wheelers are expected to pay Rs 10 per trip, with a monthly pass for unlimited trips set at Rs 150. In contrast, three-wheelers and four-wheelers would be charged Rs 40 per trip, with a monthly pass amounting to Rs 600.
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The impact of these rates is acutely felt in the Cumbarjua constituency, which houses seven out of the total 18 ferryboat routes in the state. Local residents and islanders argue that the new rates will severely burden them, as many commuters rely on ferryboats due to the lack of proper roads connecting the islands.
Opposition parties have also joined the protests, and the toll fee rates are set to take effect from November 16. The Cumbarjua Block Congress Committee conducted its own demonstration against the proposed pass system for ferryboat travel.
The widespread opposition to these new rates underscores the urgent need for a reconsideration of the toll fees and fares to alleviate the economic pressure on the islanders and local residents.
