Large ferries may transport heavy vehicles

by Glenn Costa
Posted on 2009-03-19
PANAJI - With the government releasing an expression of interest for Ro-Ro ferries the state could possibly have large transport ferries, like the ones carrying vehicles across the English Channel, primarily to transport heavy vehicles from Agacaim to Cortalim, informed river navigation department sources.
These ferries would be seen for the first time in the state if the proposal concretises and would probably be on a slightly smaller scale than the ferries crossing the Channel. Even smaller vessels could use this facility. “This proposal would be on a build and operate basis and we have already received three responses,” informed sources. Two were initially received and one has been just received, he added.
Ro-Ro is the short form for ‘row on-row off’ vessels.
The government has given its approval only upto the expression of interest and once that has been done and the proposal concretised, the file would be re-submitted to the government for final approval.
One meeting with stakeholders including the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, interested builders and superintendent of police, traffic, has already taken place and another has been slated soon. “We have asked the people to study the matter and hold discussions as far as the capacity of the ferry is concerned,” said sources.
Sources say that ferries that can hold eight vehicles of 25 tonnes each have been mooted. As no final decision was taken at the previous meeting, another one will be held in a few days to finalise matters, informed sources. However, river navigation sources say that the general feedback from the last meeting was that it could be a good idea.
At present heavy vehicles are not allowed on the Zuari bridge and so the government has decided that it could be a good idea as it would shorten the truck route by quite a bit. Now trucks have to proceed via Ponda even if they have to go to Margao or if they have to go to Canacona and beyond. The Zuari already boasts of two bridges at the Agassaim to Cortalim crossing, with another bridge mooted with the four lane proposal.