PANJIM: River and Navigation Department (RND) Minister Subhash Phal Dessai has unveiled plans to introduce roll-on roll-off ferries (RoRo) on Ribandar-Chorao route within six months.
“We have issued mobilization of funds, the construction has begun and are expecting the two vessels in another six months,” the minister said.
RoRo ferries are huge vessels built to carry large number of vehicles that can be driven on and off the water.
Meanwhile, Goa’s first solar electric hybrid ferry boat which was inaugurated with much fanfare in October 2022, has never been used for the purpose it was intended for and is perhaps going nowhere.
The proposal was pushed hurriedly and the vessel was bought at a cost of Rs 4 crore. Thereafter it was reported that the RND could not commence operations as there was no landing ramp on Chorao Island.
In mid-June the RND stated that the vessel would be hired out to private parties to generate income.
“We are inviting tenders to operate it because it is for revenue generation. We tried to put it for passengers for three months but there was no patronage. It has no provisions for two and four-wheelers. Now it can be best used for tourism purpose.”
“We will see that it is maintained properly and issue a tender to be used for tourism purpose,” he said.
“I was not the minister when it was purchased but will see to it that it can be used in the best possible way,” said Phal Dessai.
