To ease the traffic burden on the Mandovi Bridge, construction has begun on two larger, two-tone ferry boats at Vijay Marine Services in Loutolim, specifically designed for the Panaji-Betim route. These ferries aim to provide faster and more efficient river crossings, presenting an appealing alternative to road travel and alleviating vehicle congestion in the region.
Each ferry will have the capacity to accommodate up to eight cars or 200 passengers, making them a vital option for daily commuters, especially during peak hours. The new vessels will connect important areas like Calangute, Betim, and Porvorim, potentially reducing private vehicle traffic on the heavily utilized Mandovi Bridge.
Additionally, a representative from the river navigation department revealed that the state government is considering implementing a nominal fee for two-wheeled passengers using the ferry service. Goa’s domestic waterway system currently operates 30 ferries across 18 routes, highlighting the state’s commitment to enhancing river infrastructure.
The initiative to introduce high-capacity ferries for the Panaji-Betim route marks a significant investment in improving public transport options and tackling traffic challenges in the region.
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