Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao has raised serious concerns over the Goa government's spending on ferryboat maintenance, describing the figures as “illogical” and demanding greater accountability.
Alemao pointed out that the government has spent over ₹135 crore on ferry repairs over the last six years, including cases where ₹1 crore was spent on repairing individual ferries that originally cost much less.
He also questioned the ₹3.97 crore expenditure on a solar-electric hybrid boat, which remains non-operational and unused since its acquisition. The boat, he alleged, was procured despite technical objections raised by the Captain of Ports.
“This is blatant mismanagement of public funds. How can repairs exceed the original cost of the vessels? And why was a solar boat purchased when experts had clearly warned against it?” Alemao asked during a press briefing.
In response, River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai defended the expenditure, citing the age and heavy usage of Goa’s ferry fleet.
“Most of our ferries are 15–20 years old and operate up to 18 hours daily. Naturally, they require extensive and ongoing maintenance,” Dessai said.
Regarding the non-functional hybrid boat, the minister said that the government has withheld ₹59.37 lakh in payments to the supplier and has filed a complaint due to non-performance. He added that two private parties have expressed interest in reviving the vessel on a rental basis.
The debate has reignited calls for a comprehensive audit of river navigation infrastructure and spending, with critics urging the state to adopt a more transparent and cost-effective approach to ferry operations.
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