PANJIM: The notification on withdrawal of ferry fare hike for two-wheeler and four-wheeler riders is likely to be issued by November 15, 2023.
According to sources, the file has been cleared by the River Navigation Department.
“In principle, the withdrawal has been approved. Notification will be issued most likely on Wednesday,” sources told O Heraldo.
Bowing to mounting political pressure, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on November 10 had said that the notification on ferry fare hike will be withdrawn.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 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.
According to 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.
