PANJIM: Motorists are in for a rude shock as the River Navigation Department (RND) plans to charge Rs 5 for riders and Rs 40 for drivers for using ferry boat services across the State. The decision is expected to be implemented within a fortnight.
Speaking to reporters, River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Desai said that the revised ticket charge will be uniform across the State. Two-wheelers will be charged Rs 5 while four-wheeler drivers will have to pay Rs 40, the Minister said, adding, however, the department will provide an option of a monthly pass of Rs 150 for two-wheelers and Rs 600 for four-wheelers. The passes and tickets will be available through an app with a payment gateway, he said.
Phal Desai said the ferry charges have been hiked to generate revenue. The minister said Ro Ro ferries, with a capacity of taking three times the load of conventional ferryboats, will be operational within next six months.
It is pertinent to note that at present the ferry service is free for two-wheeler riders, but four-wheeler drivers currently paying Rs 10, will now have to shell out four times the amount i.e. Rs 40 for availing the ferry boat service.
Recently, islanders from across the State had voiced concerns over the government’s consideration of levying charges for ferrying two-wheelers on ferry boats across 18 routes in the State.
They believe that ferry boat service is an essential lifeline for the islanders, connecting them to the mainland, and the government should focus on bridge construction before increasing ferry charges.
Former Chodan-Madel sarpanch Shrikrishna Haldankar said the decision of the government is not acceptable.
“'The rate is very high and people are furious. We are not enjoying the ferry service. It is essential for us. We do not have an alternative. A hike of 400 per cent is not tolerable,” he said.
Currently, the RND charges four wheelers Rs 10 for long distance routes and Rs 7 for short distance routes.