Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa River Navigation Department has announced that two Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services are expected to become operational by the end of the year, with infrastructure work progressing across key locations.
The update was shared during a review meeting on the Mala Lake issue conducted by the Goa State Smart City Development Agency, attended by officials from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the Water Resources Department (WRD), and the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
Director of the River Navigation Department, Vikram Rajbhonsale, said ramp construction is currently underway and will be expanded as part of the project. He noted that the ramp at Ribandar has already been reinforced, with the existing 10-metre structure being extended to 25 metres to support Ro-Ro ferry operations.
Officials also reviewed the Chorao route, where ferry capacity and vessel size are being aligned with operational requirements. The department indicated that suitable ferry sizes will be deployed based on route demand and vehicle load, with a focus on improving efficiency for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers.
While technical specifications are still being finalised, authorities said priority is being given to completing ramp extensions and ensuring infrastructure readiness.
The project is aimed at enhancing inter-island connectivity and reducing travel time across key river routes in Goa, with full operational readiness targeted before December.
