PANJIM: The River and Navigation Department (RND) will introduce two new high-speed ferries which will replace the existing ones along the Panjim -Betim route from December this year.
Speaking to O Heraldo, River Navigation Director Vikramsingh Bhosle said, “Two new high speed ferries running at a speed of 10 knots each, will offer commuters a faster, smooth and efficient journey across the Mandovi. The vessels fitted with twin engines will have more carrying capacity than the existing ones.”
“The vessel can carry eight cars or 150 passengers while the current carrying capacity is six cars and 100 passengers. The speed of current boats is six knots per hour while the new boats will run with a speed of ten knots per hour,” he said.
Singh said the decision to replace the existing ones has been taken keeping in mind the impending construction of a flyover at Porvorim which may lead to traffic diversions which in turn increase the number of passengers using ferry service from both Betim and Panjim side.
On an average, over 7000-8000 passengers and around 5,000 two wheelers travel using the services of the ferries. Currently, out of the two vessels, only one is fitted with two engines.
According to the official, the process for issuing technical bid is underway. The new vessels will not require maintenance for at least two years, he added.
