Long-distance passenger ferries to float in Mandovi, Zuari by next year
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 04 June 2016 20:19 IST
The long-pending plan of activating Goa’s inland waterways to ferry locals and tourists would finally come true with the central government planning to set up 10 terminals, all in North Goa.
Accordingly, the preparatory phase of dredging rivers of Mandovi and Zuari would begin from October, soon after monsoon, spending Rs 115 crore.
Union minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari made the announcement today, after publicly blaming Goa government – both belonging to the BJP – for not giving NOC to the projects.
In a video conferencing chat he had with the media persons across western region, central BJP minister Gadkari had yesterday blamed Goa’s BJP government for sitting on the NOCs required to start the projects.
In the presence of Goa chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Gadkari today said the construction work of 10 jetties, at the cost of Rs 100 crore, would also begin from October.
“It would be completed within 6 to 8 months”, said Gadkari.
While Goa Assembly election may take place in next eight months, the commercial ferry service may start floating only after election.
The places identified for terminals are Panaji, Dona Paula, Ribandar, Betim, Britona, Old Goa, Chorao, Corjuvem and Pomburpa.
He said the ferry services would be introduced initially between Aldona to Panaji, Durbhat to Panaji, Baina to Dona Paula and Baina to Panaji.
Simultaneously, the shipping ministry is also taking up feasibility study of four more rivers of Chapora, Cumbarjua and Mapusa in the North and Sal in the South.
It is good decision by the Govt, maximum utilization of natural resources,