Betim-Panjim commuters inconvenienced as ferry wharf turns into ‘parking zone’

PANJIM: People using ferry service between Panjim and Betim are experiencing inconvenience as almost the entire wharf of the Panjim jetty is being used for parking vehicles of guests visiting the casinos and there is little room left for the vehicles of daily commuters.

According to the commuters, earlier, the parking was available for common people visiting the city or going to the other side of the river for their regular work. But after expansion of the casinos there, the place for parking has almost shrunk causing a chaotic situation when people embark or alight from the ferry.

A regular commuter to the city using the ferry service said, “In the morning and in evening, the situation becomes chaotic. The ferries are used by all who come by two and four -wheelers or by buses. There must be enough space to make way for the vehicles.”

Another commuter pointed out that a casino operator has deployed security guards who mostly ask the people not to park their vehicles on the left side of the road.

Another commuter pointed out that there is a gate, which according to a board put up at the jetty, should be opened and closed at a certain point of time but it does not happen.

“During rush time, the exit and entry is blocked. We face a lot of problems. We cannot park our vehicles as we are not allowed to do so. When there is rush in the evening, people face a problem to get in and out of the ferry. After 10 pm, the entire area is blocked,” he said.

A daily commuter from Betim, sharing his experience said, “One day when I went to enquire about parking facilities, the guards on duty said if you are going to a casino then you can park your vehicle anywhere. We will keep a watch. But if you are not going to a casino then park your vehicle to the right side of the road and at your own risk.

According to sources, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to run the facility was given by the Captain of Ports, who is head of the River and Navigation Department. However, the area occupied by them is more than what was allotted to them. 

The jetty was earlier developed and beautified by the River and Navigation Department and a casino came there later, sources said.

Last year ferry services on the route were disrupted due to the manoeuvring difficulties at the ramp and a structure built for embarking and disembarking of casino-goers was allegedly blamed for the inconvenience.