Panaji: Govt is considering a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service linking Marcaim with the Verna industrial estate, following representations from industry stakeholders and local representatives.“The proposed service is expected to benefit workers travelling to the Verna industrial estate, particularly those residing on the Marcaim side,” said director of river navigation department (RND), Vikramsinh Rajebhosale.“At present, workers have to travel across the region to reach their workplaces in Verna. A ferry could potentially reduce travel time and commuting costs,” he said.The proposal follows demand from the industrial sector, with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) advocating the service.The project envisages two 20-metre Ro-Ro vessels, each carrying six cars. They will be smaller than the 16-car ferries on the Ribandar-Chorao route and the upcoming eight-car ferries on the Divar-Sao Pedro route.The type of vessel and propulsion technology for the proposed service remains undecided. The Austrian thruster technology used in the vessels on the Ribandar-Chorao route is most likely to be used for the new service.“The process will start now, but the actual implementation will be in the next financial year. Provisions will be made accordingly,” said Rajebhosale.
