RoRo ferries delays further, Faldesai says 2 months more

Panaji: The launch of the new RoRo ferries along the Ribandar-Chorao route will now take place only two months later, said the minister for river navigation, Subhash Faldesai. This has been rescheduled yet again after the previous date was set for March 21.
“The major manufacturing works of the vessels are complete; however, there is a need for ramps to be upgraded on either side of the river. We will start the RoRo ferries after two months,” Faldesai said.
The delay in launching the ferry has also been attributed to the late arrival of the advanced propulsion system for the vessels, according to RND. “There is a delay in importing the thrusters. They are still stuck at the Mumbai port,” sources said.
TOI reported on Feb 18 that this deck-mounted propulsion technology is being introduced for the first time in Goa’s river navigation system. RND is ordering four thrusters in total, two for each of the vessels.
Unlike conventional ferries that use shaft and propeller systems beneath the waterline, the new ferries feature a unique deck-mounted propulsion arrangement. This new system eliminates the risk of ropes getting entangled in the propeller, which is a common issue for traditional ferries.
In addition, the solar hybrid ferry that was discontinued in Goa after operating as a pilot project will be used for tourism activities. “The solar hybrid ferry can only carry passengers and no vehicles. There was a poor response to it. We are exploring possibilities to give it on rent,” Faldesai said.