PANJIM: Kerala’s model of solar ferry boats is set to make its entry in Goan waters with Goa government expected to finalize the bidder this month. Out of the two firms from Goa and Kerala that bid for the tender floated last year, decision to select one bidder is likely to be taken by January 20.
“The file containing the bidding details of the two firms is with the government. We expect that administrative sanction as well as the project’s expenditure will be approved by January 20,” a senior bureaucrat at Secretariat told Herald.
River Navigation Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar, in April 2018 had announced to include solar-powered boats to its fleet of the country’s first and unique diesel-powered ferry boats in the current financial year. His announcement came following a visit to Kerala to inspect the solar-powered ferry boats. “We are implementing the same in Goa in the next one year. This will help passengers to travel long routes,” he had said.
Sources said the two firms – Kochi-based NavAlt Solar and Electric Boats that launched its first solar ferry in Kerala in the year 2017 and Aquarius Shipyard, Goa that has built Indian Navy’s sailing vessel and manufactures vessels for the Goa Shipyard Limited – were shortlisted after a comprehensive bidding process.
It is learnt the solar-powered boats will be allocated to long routes such as Aldona to Panjim and Savordem to Panjim. Each 75-seater vessel with Roll-On and Roll-Off concept is expected to cost the government Rs 2.50 crore.
Meanwhile, the River Navigation Department will float a fresh tender for three new ferry boats next week, induction of which will increase the total fleet of ferry boats from the existing 25 to 28.
