PANJIM: The State government on Wednesday issued notification on withdrawal of ferry fare for two-wheeler riders and hike in toll for four wheelers.
The government had earlier issued a notification under Sub Section (2) of Section 4 of the Goa Ferries Act 1990 (Goa Act 9 of 1990) fixing rates of toll fee and monthly passes for various ferry routes plying in the State with effect from November 16, 2023.
According to the notification, on Pomburpa-Chodan, Old Goa-Piedade, Camurlim-Tuem, Naroa-Diwar and Cumbharjua-Gavandalim routes, three wheeler and four wheelers will have to pay Rs 7 per trips, Medium Commercial Vehicle and Medium Passenger Vehicle Rs 15 per trips, Heavy motor vehicle and heavy passenger vehicle with total weight less than 10 tonnes Rs 20 per trips and cargo Rs 20 per tonne per trips. Three wheelers and four wheelers may take monthly passes at Rs 315 for unlimited trips.
For Volvoi-Surla/Maina, Panaji-Betim, Talto-Dhauji, Kerim-Terekhol, Ribandar-Chodan, St Pedro-Divar, Vashi-Amboi, Sarmanas-Tonca, Rai-Shiroda and Adpai-Rassaim, three wheelers and four wheelers will have to pay Rs 10 per trips, medium commercial vehicle and medium passenger vehicle Rs 20 per trips, heavy motor vehicle and heavy passenger vehicle with total weight less than 10 tonnes Rs 22 per trips and cargo Rs 20 per tonne per trips.
Three wheeler and four wheeler riders may use a monthly pass for unlimited trips at Rs 450.
Bowing to mounting pressure from the islanders, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on November 10 had stated that the notification on ferry fare hike for two-wheeler and four wheeler owners will be withdrawn.
“We have decided to withdraw the notification. The department has been asked to issue appropriate orders in this regard,” the Chief Minister had said.
After the government announced a hike in the ferry charges for two-wheelers and four wheelers, islanders and local residents in the State rallied against the proposed toll fees. The agitation reached a peak as a demonstration took place at the Old Goa ferry ramp, with protesters demanding an immediate rollback of the new rates.
As per the revised tariff, two-wheelers were expected to pay Rs 10 per trip, with a monthly pass for unlimited trips set at Rs 150. In contrast, three-wheelers and four-wheelers were to be charged Rs 40 per trip, with a monthly pass amounting to Rs 600.