Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major setback to Goa’s push for sustainable transport, the Solar Electric ferry St. Pedro (PNJ-880), built at a cost of ₹3.97 crore, is currently non-operational after running for only three months.
Information tabled in the Legislative Assembly reveals that the ferry was withdrawn from service due to electrical faults and “non-feasibility” in operations. The vessel has remained idle since, raising concerns over the viability of the project.
The government has withheld ₹59.37 lakh as performance guarantee from the contractor, M/s Aquarius Shipyard Pvt. Ltd., citing incorrect machinery installation. The dispute is now pending before the Goa Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council.
In a bid to revive the vessel, authorities have handed over the solar ferry to a private party on a monthly rental basis, with the responsibility of repairs and making it operational resting with the operator.
The ferry, part of the state’s attempt to introduce eco-friendly water transport, has instead highlighted technical and operational challenges, even as the government maintains that no formal complaints have been received regarding ferry infrastructure or projects.
