Team Goemkarponn
CHODAN: In a major push toward modernizing Goa’s inland water transport system, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant launched two modern Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries—Gangotri and Dwarka—on the Chorao–Ribandar route, and announced an ambitious plan to replace all conventional ferries across the state with RoRo vessels.
“We have planned to start RoRo ferry services on all remaining routes in the future,” Sawant declared, adding that Goa is proud to be the first state in the country to introduce RoRo services. “These vessels are not just about comfort and efficiency—they are zero carbon emission ferries, reflecting our commitment to green mobility.”
The new ferries, introduced under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, are designed with modern safety and navigation systems, offering safer and faster commutes across the Mandovi River. The Chorao–Ribandar route, one of the busiest ferry crossings in Goa, is now expected to see reduced congestion and improved service quality.
River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai assured reporters that these vessels would reduce the total travel and waiting time to just 12 minutes.
He emphasized that the service aims to offer commuters a safer, quicker, and more comfortable experience. The minister also mentioned that the service might be expanded to other routes following an evaluation of its performance on the current ones.
“This marks a new era for river transport in Goa. We encourage people to try the service before passing judgment,” Phal Dessai said. “We plan to review the operations after one month and consider extending the service to additional routes. We will also reassess the fare structure based on user feedback.”
Introduced by Vijay Marine, the new ferries prioritize passenger comfort and safety. They feature air-conditioned cabins with separate entrances, onboard medical kits, and a trained crew prepared for emergencies. “The captain has completed over 100 hours of training. We postponed the launch to ensure the entire crew was fully equipped to manage the vessel and any emergency situations,” said Phal Dessai.
Responding to concerns about delays, Phal Dessai explained, “People wonder why it took so long. The reason is straightforward—we wanted to make sure the crew was properly trained and the vessels were fully ready. Safety remains our top priority.”
