Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The decision to review the rates for ferry rides for two- and four-wheeler users in Goa was made official by the State government on November 16, notwithstanding the assertions of Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phaldesai.
Two-wheelers will pay Rs 10 per trip, with the option to purchase a monthly pass for Rs 150 that allows unlimited rides, in accordance with the rates announced in a notice that will apply to the entire State.
The cost per ride for three- and four-wheelers will be Rs 40, and a monthly pass good for unlimited rides will set you back Rs 600. The rate per trip for Motor Passenger Vehicles (MPV) and Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCV) is Rs 100, and the monthly pass is Rs 1500.
Additionally, the cost per trip for heavy vehicles—which includes passenger cars with a combined weight under 10 tonnes—will be Rs 400, with a monthly pass available for Rs 6,000. The fees for vehicles transporting cargo will be Rs 50 per tonne per trip.
Additionally, the notice states that these rates will be in effect for the following eighteen ferry routes: Panaji-Betim, Tolto-Dhauji, Cumbharjua-Gavandalim, Kerim-Terekhol, Ribandar-Chorao, Sao Pedro-Diwar, Vashim-Amboi, Sarmanas-Tonca, Raia-Shiroda, Adpai-Rassaim, Rassaim-Durbhat, and Marcaim-Cortalim.
Concerns have been raised by Goan residents regarding the government’s proposal to charge for the transportation of two-wheelers on 18 different State ferry routes.
They contend that the government should prioritize building bridges over raising ferry fees because ferry service is a vital lifeline that connects island residents to the mainland. Shrikrishna Haldankar, a former Sarpanch of Chodan-Madel, emphasised the need of consulting the locals before making such decisions and urged that the Divar-Chorao route be excluded from any proposed charges.
