Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai has announced that from March 1, three ferries will operate continuously between Old Goa and Divar from 8am to 8pm, bringing major relief to commuters.
Speaking to reporters, Faldessai said that earlier the ferry service functioned only between 8am to 11am and 4pm to 7pm, causing inconvenience to residents. “From March 1, we will have three ferries from Old Goa to Divar from 8am to 8pm. People were aggrieved. I spoke to the River Navigation Minister and the director regarding the issue. Even on Sundays, there was no ferry. Now there will be three ferries on Sundays as well,” he said.
He further stated that the Tolto ferry service to Akhada and Sao Estavao, which earlier began at 9am at intervals of 10 minutes, will now start from 8am and continue every 10 minutes. “This has come as a huge relief for students and office-goers. This was a demand from locals,” he added.
Faldessai also informed that the ferry service from Sao Pedro to Divar has been increased from one to two ferries.
Looking ahead, he said that Ro-Ro ferry services from Sao Pedro, Ribandar to Divar are expected to begin by November. “Work on the ramps on both sides is currently underway,” he said.
River Navigation Department (RND) Director Vikram Raje Bhosale confirmed the development. “The MLA was informing me daily about the grievances of the people. Hence, we have started the third ferry service after getting approval from the minister and the government. Dredging work will also be taken up before monsoon for the Ro-Ro ferry service from Sao Pedro to Divar,” he said.
On the proposed ticketing system for the Ro-Ro ferry service, Faldessai said the matter will be discussed later. “Divar locals wanted a Ro-Ro ferry service and there is no opposition. Regarding the rates, we can consider a monthly discounted pass system like the one available for Chorao locals,” he added.
