PANJIM: The notification on withdrawal of ferryboat fare for two-wheeler and hike in fares four-wheelers is likely to be issued by Tuesday, November 14.
According to sources, the file has been cleared by the River Navigation Department and it is to be cleared by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Bowing to mounting political pressure, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on November 10 had said that the notification on ferryboat fare hike for two-wheeler riders and four wheelers will be withdrawn.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 ferryboat 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 fares, 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.
