Barge runs aground; 2-hr ordeal for ferry users
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
OLD GOA, AUG 20
Over a hundred commuters in the Gaundalim-Cumbarjua ferry were stranded for over two hours, when an ore-laden barge M V Kashi ran aground along the ferry route on Friday evening.
The incident occurred at about 4.45 pm due to the low tide and ferry coxswain was unable proceed from Cumbarjua ferry ramp towards the Gaundalim ferry ramp. The barge was finally removed at about 6.45 pm.
It may be noted that as the River Navigation route is narrow for barges to move, such incidents have been frequently occurring along the Gaundalim ferry route. Such incidents have taken place along the route earlier on two occasions, barges carrying ore ran aground, disrupting ferry service along the Gaundalim-Cumbarjua route.
Speaking to Herald, Ganshyam Parab of Gaundalim said: “Such incidents have been occurring frequently along the Gaundalim-Cumbarjua route and this creates a problem for us.”
“People are under the impression that this is a shorter route to Cumbarjua and surrounding areas, but end up waiting for hours due to such incidents,” he added.
“Even today one could see the ramp full of passengers and two-wheeler vehicles waiting for the ferry to cross over. Since it was evening, people were returning to their houses after their daily work but had to wait due to the problem,” said Parab.
Cumbarjua Sarpanch Surendra Madkaikar said “The locals, last year, tried to stop barges using the route during the low tide and the Captain of Ports had even given instructions on how to navigate barges during low and high tides. However, barge coxswains navigate the barges without thinking about the safety of ferryboats,” he said.
