PANJIM: Islanders from across Goa have voiced concerns over the government’s consideration of levying charges for carrying two-wheelers on ferry boats across 18 routes in the State. They believe that ferry boat service is an essential lifeline for the islanders, connecting them to the mainland, and the government should focus on bridge construction before increasing ferry charges. Former Chodan-Madel Sarpanch Shrikrishna Haldankar, emphasised the importance of consulting locals before making such decisions, urging the exclusion of the Divar-Chorao route from any proposed charges.
Agnelo Menezes, a daily commuter from Sao Matias, Divar, raised concerns about the reliability of ferry services and their frequent breakdowns. He mentioned the disappearance of previously purchased double-engine ferries and suggested that the government might decide to charge passengers in the future. Swapnil Bhomkar, the Deputy Sarpanch of Sao Matias panchayat, spoke about the islanders’ dependency on ferries, stating that levying charges would feel like punishment. He added that people are requesting the government to provide a third ferry on the Old Goa-Divar route and improve services.
However, another former Chodan-Madel Sarpanch Premanand Mhambre and Damodar Bhatkar from Verem have different opinions on the matter. They believe that paying a small fee is reasonable if it leads to improved services. Mhambre highlighted the economic necessity of appropriate charges to generate revenue for service improvement. He compared it to other transportation services like buses, suggesting that a minor fee is worthwhile for better ferry services. Bhatkar added, “It is a good but belated decision. I do not think there will be any impact if the department levies the charges. The government will have at least some revenue. I welcome it. The department should also open offices at both sides of the river.”
