Latest news with #RoRo
News18
a day ago
- News18
Goa Launches India's First RoRo Ferry Service On Mandovi River, Details Inside
Last Updated: New high-speed ferries slash travel time and boost tourism, promising a modern upgrade to daily commute The Goa government has introduced two brand-new Roll on-Roll off (RoRo) ferries named Gangotri and Dwarka on the busy Chorao–Ribandar route across the Mandovi river. These advanced ferries will replace the old conventional boats and drastically cut travel time for daily commuters and tourists alike. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the ferries, proudly calling them India's first RoRo ferry service of this kind. 'This is a big leap for Goa's water transport. These ferries have more capacity and modern technology, making travel easier and quicker. They will help locals and attract more visitors to Goa," he shared at the launch event, as per The Indian Express. Each RoRo ferry can carry up to 100 passengers, 15 cars, and 30 to 40 two-wheelers. The ferries cruise at 10 knots—double the speed of traditional boats. This means the journey from Chorao island to Ribandar will now take only 12–13 minutes instead of 30. The vessels also come with many thoughtful features: clearly marked lanes for vehicles, an air-conditioned passenger area, and emergency medical kits. Designed by Vijai Marine Shipyards, the ferries will operate under a Built-Own-Operate-Transfer model at zero cost to the state government. The RoRo ferries are expected to benefit both tourists and locals. With marked lanes for vehicles, air-conditioned passenger cabins, and emergency medical kits onboard, the ferries promise a safer and more convenient travel experience. view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 14:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
What are RoRo ferries, which Goa hopes will replace traditional boats?
The Goa government has launched two Roll on-Roll off (RoRo) ferry boats – 'Gangotri' and 'Dwarka' – on the Chorao-Ribandar route in the Mandovi river. The ferries, with a higher capacity, will replace the conventional boats and drastically cut travel time for commuters. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who inaugurated the vessels Monday, said it is the first-of-its kind RoRo ferry service in India. 'This is a significant advancement in Goa's waterway infrastructure. The new ferries, with higher capacity and improved technology, replace conventional boats, substantially reducing wait times and service interruptions while enhancing commuter comfort. It will benefit the local commuters and also boost tourism. We remain committed to adopting modern innovations that strengthen ease of living across the state,' he said. 'People should know that when the government is constructing any jetty, it would only be for the public transport and not for any other purpose,' he added. Sawant said the modern ferries will operate at double the speed and have a higher capacity. He said the ferries have been commissioned with a zero cost to the government and are eco-friendly and efficient. 'The government is considering plans to add more RoRo ferries on other inland waterway routes,' he said. Each RoRo ferry can accommodate up to 100 passengers, at least 15 four wheelers and 30-40 two wheelers, significantly easing the load on traditional ferry services. With a running speed of 10 knots – twice that of conventional ferries – the new vessels will ensure faster travel and reduced waiting time for commuters, officials said. The ferry boats have been designed and built by Vijai Marine Shipyards and would be operating on a Built-Own-Operate-Transfer basis. The vessels have clearly marked lanes for two wheelers and four wheelers, an air-conditioned compartment for passengers and emergency medical kits. River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Desai told media persons that the travel time from Chorao island to Ribandar (near Panaji) would be 12-13 minutes with the RoRo ferry service, as against 30 minutes taken by the conventional ferry boats.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
RoRo ferries on Chorao-Ribandar route reduce travel time from 15min to 5 mins
Panaji: Two RoRo (roll on/roll off) ferries, Gangotri and Dwarka, were launched on the Chorao–Ribandar route on Monday. The ferries will operate on a PPP basis, said chief minister Pramod Sawant during the launch. 'These vessels will cut travel time from 15 minutes to just five minutes,' he said. 'With air-conditioned facilities for pedestrians, zero-emission features, and their capacity to carry an additional 15-16 vehicles compared to regular ferries, most of the commuters waiting to travel will be accommodated aboard the vessel. Ambulances that used to have additional waiting time due to the limitations of the regular ferries will no longer have to suffer,' he said. Sawant added that more RoRo services will be introduced on other river routes to strengthen waterway transport and promote tourism. 'This RoRo is an epitome of Make in India and Made in Goa. We plan to replicate this successful project across the state,' Sawant added. Sharing his thoughts on the decision to no tify fares for commuters travelling on this route, Sawant said, 'The ferry services operate on a 100% basis because the rides are free for pedestrians. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Update: The Strategy Uses By Successful Intraday Trader TradeWise Learn More Undo When we give the public an upgrade in its facilities, they must contribute by paying the fare. We also have a concessional pass system for those who find the daily fares exorbitant,' Sawant said. The launch was also attended by MP Shripad Naik and the minister for river navigation, Subhash Phal Dessai. Naik said that Gangotri and Dwarka are not 'outsider' names. 'Both names are inspired by Indian culture, there is no insider and outsider about this. Someone who makes an issue about it cannot be considered Indian,' he said. He was reacting to GPCC president Amit Patkar's claim that these names are non-Indian. Phal Desai said that it was his decision to name them and also said that these are two pure names that are associated with water bodies, which is why they have been named so. 'One need not politicise something like this,' he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Two Ribandar-Chorao RoRo ferries from Mon
Panaji: The Ribandar-Chorao ferry route is set to see the launch of two new Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries — named Dwarka and Gangotri — scheduled to be launched on July 14 at 11am. These ferries aim to enhance transportation efficiency between Ribandar and Chorao, catering to the growing vehicular and commuter traffic across the Mandovi river. The inauguration ceremony is expected to be attended by chief minister Pramod Sawant and river navigation minister Subhash Phal Dessai, among other dignitaries. To support the operation of the new ferries, the Ribandar-side ferry ramp has been upgraded with dedicated lanes: two rows for four-wheelers and one row for two-wheelers, streamlining the boarding and deboarding process. The layout has been designed to minimise congestion and reduce waiting time for vehicles during peak hours. According to officials, the ferry terminals have been constructed to handle up to 30 to 40 vehicles at a time, depending on the mix of two- and four-wheelers. State govt has notified the fares for the RoRo ferries, with cars, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers being charged Rs 30 per trip. Frequent users can opt for a monthly pass priced at Rs 900. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mi Piace Così | Quanto costa perdere peso? Mi Piace Così Undo Medium commercial vehicles and medium passenger vehicles will be charged Rs 100 per trip, with a monthly pass costing Rs 1,500. Heavy motor vehicles and heavy passenger vehicles weighing less than 10 tonnes will face a higher toll of Rs 400 per trip but can avail of a monthly pass for Rs 6,000. Cargo vehicles will be charged at Rs 50 per tonne. The free ride facility for local two-wheeler users and pedestrians will not extend to tourists using the ferries. Tourists riding rental bikes will have to pay Rs 100 per trip, while those in rental cars will be charged Rs 300 per trip. Tourists looking for a joyride on the ferries will be charged a nominal Rs 50 per trip.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Passengers stuck on RoRo ferry for 4 hours
Rajkot: The Ghogha-Hazira RoRo ferry was in a spot of bother with 245 passengers being trapped on the vessel near the Ghogha jetty on Tuesday. According to officials, at about 5.20pm, the Voyage Express, which was to leave from Ghogha, got a buoy chain entangled in one of its propellers. Officials were forced to dock the vessel at the Ghogha berth, but as its head was on the other side, the passengers and cars couldn't be disembarked. According to sources, the passengers could be disembarked only after the vessel was turned around. The passengers were trapped inside for more than four hours. The ferry was going to Hazira from Ghogha. It also had cars on board. The trip from Bhavnagar to Surat takes 10 to 12 hours by road, while the ferry has reduced the trip time to about four hours.
