PANJIM: The plight of ferry boat commuters was discussed at length at a meeting of the Deputy Collector, Panjim and concerned government agencies that saw various suggestions pouring in for the safety of passengers.
The meeting was arranged based on NGO GOACAN letter to the Dy Collector citing the problems faced by passengers on different ferry routes. The NGO, citing a report by Herald earlier this month issue, suggested that ferry boats connecting islands to the mainland need periodic inspections and maintenance while there is also need to provide adequate life-saving equipment.
“A notice board specifying number of 4-wheelers, 2-wheelers and foot passengers as per the capacity of each ferry boat should be displayed. The River Navigation Department should recruit staff/inspector to monitor boarding and alighting at ferryboats. No one should be allowed to enter the ferry unless and until all the foot passengers, 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers have alighted,” it further suggested.
The letter of intervention also recommended that boarding should be done by foot passengers followed by 4-wheelers and the 2-wheelers. Besides, ferry ramps should be kept free of hawkers for smooth movement of vehicles. No buses/cars should be allowed to park in front of the ramp.
Officials of the RND, Public Works Department, Traffic Police, Corporation of the City of Panjim amongst others were present at the meeting.
