Latest news with #VikramRajeBhosale
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
After month-long repairs, ferry back on Chorao-Ribandar route
Panaji: The ferry boat called Betim, which was submerged for 10 days following an incident on June 23, finally resumed operations on the Chorao-Ribandar route after a month of undergoing repairs. The vessel was salvaged after nine days. Vikram Raje Bhosale, director of the river navigation department (RND), said that the salvage operation caused damage to the canopy. 'Both the engines and gearboxes were overhauled due to water immersion. The winch hydraulic system also required an overhaul,' he said. Additionally, life-saving apparatus, electrical systems, batteries, beds, and firefighting equipment were replaced, and the ferry received a complete repainting. The ferry boat was salvaged through a combined effort by departmental staff and two private agencies—Vinaydeep Enterprises and Kanishka Salvage and Underwater Services. The total cost of the salvage and repair operation of the vessel was approximately Rs 30.2 lakh. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
27-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
High tide stymies salvage of ferry, fresh attempt today
Panaji: The ferryboat called Betim, which capsized near Chorao on June 23, continued to remain under water on Friday despite day-long salvage efforts by the river navigation department (RND). A team of 15 RND staff, assisted by a professional diver and a special salvager crane, worked through the day but were unable to lift the vessel. The high tide was cited as the primary hurdle. 'We have reached the final stages of the salvage operation. There is a high tide which is hindering us,' RND director Vikram Raje Bhosale told TOI . 'Once we are able to pull out even half of the ferryboat, we will be able to salvage it completely.' Preliminary investigations suggest the vessel sank due to rainwater accumulating in the tanks, which were not drained. Bhosale said the responsibility for this lapse lies with the coxswain, who failed to conduct the required checks and drain the tanks in time. On Thursday, pontoons were hired to aid the salvage, but shallow waters along the riverbank made it impossible to accommodate them, forcing the department to switch strategies. 'This is a learning experience for us as well. We are sure about extricating the vessel on Saturday morning,' Bhosale said. The accident has raised concerns over routine safety checks and operational accountability within the department, with calls from RND minister Subhash Phal Dessai for stricter protocols to avoid similar occurrences in future. He visited the site on the day the ferryboat sank. 'Such accidents should not lead to a calamity in future. A safety and structural audit of all ferries will be done,' Phal Dessai said.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Goa ferry chaos: Betim boat sinks at dock; rainwater floods tank, rescue in full swing
PANAJI: A ferryboat called Betim, docked at the Chorao Island ramp, was partially submerged on Monday morning due to one of its tanks being flooded with water. Preliminary investigations by the river navigation department suggest the issue may have arisen from rainwater not being properly drained from the tanks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Vikram Raje Bhosale, director of the River Navigation Department, stated that the responsibility lies with the coxswain, "who failed to check and drain the tanks." He assured that the fire brigade is on-site and that large water pumps are being deployed. "Once the water is removed, the ferry should float back to normal. The ferry itself remains in safe working condition, with no damage to the hull, and the blockage of outlets may have contributed to the flooding," he told TOI. "We will salvage the ferryboat," he added.
