The Executive Committee of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has sharply criticised the River Navigation Department (RND) for its handling of the recent ferry sinking at Chorao, accusing the department and the BJP-led government of negligence and a lack of urgency.
The ferry, identified as Betim, sank at its dock on Monday after one of its buoyancy tanks filled with rainwater—allegedly due to poor drainage maintenance. While RND officials had assured swift salvage operations, the vessel remained submerged for two days, drawing public frustration and political backlash.
Congress leaders questioned the delay in retrieval and demanded accountability, arguing that the incident disrupted vital transport for islanders who depend heavily on ferry services. They also flagged potential environmental and navigational risks posed by the sunken vessel.
RND Director Vikram Rajebhosale said the recovery was delayed due to technical and logistical issues. Equipment, including a pontoon crane and pumps, had been deployed, with more pontoons expected to assist the operation. Fire brigade teams attempted to drain water from the ferry, but initial efforts were unsuccessful.
RND Minister Subhash Phal Dessai visited the site and announced a comprehensive safety and structural audit of all ferries. He acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and stressed that passenger safety must remain a top priority.
The GPCC, however, remains unconvinced. Accusing the government of poor maintenance and oversight of Goa’s aging ferry fleet, Congress has demanded an independent inquiry and swift action to restore reliable river transport for affected communities.