TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Mormugao Port Trust in association with Mumbai Port Trust now plans to commence ferry service between Goa and Mumbai, in a bid to encourage water transport facilities and to reduce burden on the existing roads.
In a press note, the MPT Marketing Cell stated that as far as infrastructure facilities are concerned, berthing facilities will be made available at Mormugao Port and Mumbai Port. The berth length, which can be made available at both locations, will be 100 metres.
“At Mumbai Port, there is a passenger terminal building, covering about 450 sq metres, outside the Customs notified area. Mormugao Port will commence construction of the passenger terminal building, with all modern facilities, outside the Customs notified area in February 2015, which can be utilised by the passengers travelling by ferry,” states the press note.
The ferry service can serve routine commuters as well as attract tourists, who are looking to enjoy the experience of sailing. The ferry service shall be operated by experienced operators having all valid permissions to operate the service. The fares can be decided by the operators.
The operators will have to pay for the berth hired and other applicable charges to Mormugao Port and Mumbai Port.
During the initial period, for about 6 months, the charges can be subsidized to allow the business to pick up. The operators are expected to provide a comfortable, safe and fast service so that people are attracted to use the facility, stated the press note.
The government’s intention is to encourage water transport facilities to reduce burden on the existing roads. Water transport system operates efficiently in many countries abroad and many people opt for this system because of the comfortable journey these ferries offer.
“This service will facilitate thousands of people to travel between Goa and Mumbai, the happening cities of our country, for various purposes like business, vacationing, studies, medical needs, etc,” added the press note.
