Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government is exploring the development of inland waterways transport in collaboration with the central government, with an aim to improve connectivity and provide faster, efficient transport across the state’s rivers.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has appointed Kochi Metro Rail Limited to conduct a feasibility study on the project. The study has been completed, and the report is expected soon. Based on its findings, further decisions regarding the expansion and modernization of inland water transport will be taken.
Speaking about the ongoing initiatives, River Navigation Minister Subhash Phaldesai said,”We are committed to enhancing river transport in Goa. In addition to introducing two more RoRo ferryboats on the St. Pedro-Diwar route, we plan to deploy bigger and faster ferryboats on the Betim-Panaji route by February 2026. Old conventional ferryboats will also be replaced by July 2026, ensuring safer and more efficient services for commuters.”
The department has already completed extensions of the Old Goa-Diwar ramp and Betim ferry ramp. Work on extending and reconstructing the Narao-Diwar ferry ramp is underway through the PWD and is expected to be completed by March 2026. The department has also requested funding from IWAI for various infrastructural projects to improve inland waterways, and a consultant is being appointed by IWAI to prepare detailed project reports (DPR) for the same.
These initiatives are expected to significantly boost inland water transport in Goa, providing commuters and tourists with faster, safer, and more convenient travel options.
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