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.

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.