In the wake of the Chorao ferry mishap, Director of the River Navigation Department (RND), Vikramsinh Raje Bhosale, has clarified that the incident was caused by operational oversight, not any mechanical or structural failure of the vessel.
Bhosale explained that the ferry partially sank due to water accumulation in its tank, which had not been cleared for two days. Heavy rainfall on Sunday worsened the situation, causing the vessel—anchored at Chorao Island—to tilt and partially submerge.
“There is no fault with the ferry’s structure or engine,” Bhosale said. “The vessel is in good condition. The issue was purely due to failure in routine water clearance, which is especially important during the monsoon season.”
He emphasised that standard maintenance protocols require daily removal of rainwater from the tanks, particularly during heavy downpours. The lapse in following these procedures led to the mishap.
Fortunately, the ferry was not in operation at the time and no passengers or staff were on board, preventing any casualties. However, the incident has prompted serious questions about the department’s day-to-day operational practices.
In response, Bhosale confirmed that the department would conduct a full review of its standard operating procedures. Additional training and refresher instructions will be provided to staff to ensure stricter compliance with safety and maintenance checks, especially during the monsoon months.