Padmavati Prabhu
Panaji
Following the successful introduction of roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferryboats on the Ribandar-Chorao route in July, the state government has now set the ball rolling for starting such a ferryboat service on the Divar-Sao Pedro route.
The service is likely to start in April next year, and the two Ro-Ro ferryboats to be introduced on the Divar-Sao Pedro route will be smaller in size with a capacity to accommodate 8-9 four-wheelers, 30 two-wheelers and almost 50 passengers.
“The state government has granted the in-principle approval to start
Ro-Ro ferryboats on this route. The required infrastructure would be created, including construction of a 25-metre ferry ramp on the Divar side and a 20-metre ramp on the Sao Pedro side,” said River Navigation Director Vikramsinh Rajebhosale. He said the design of the ramp has been approved by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL).
The general arrangement (GA) drawing of the proposed Ro-Ro ferryboats has been provided by a naval architect and each of the Ro-Ro ferryboats is expected to cost Rs 6-7 crore. “The process of procurement of these two Ro-Ro ferryboats is expected to start this month and the planned date of commissioning is likely to be April 1, 2026,” he said.
When asked if these ferryboats will function on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis, he said the final call on the operations would be taken by the state government.
Two Ro-Ro ferryboats are presently plying on the Ribandar-Chorao route. These Ro-Ro ferryboats have been built by Vijay Marine Services. The vessels have replaced the six conventional ferryboats.