Team Herald
PANJIM: River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Sunday said that his department is considering giving Goa’s first solar electric hybrid passenger ferry boat on hire in order to generate revenue for the government.
The boat which was commissioned in October last year is yet to be made operational. Built at a cost of Rs 3.9 crore, the ferry boat is lying unused at the floating jetty in Panjim, as the River Navigation Department doesn’t have required technical staff.
“For manpower and training of staff we had sought help from the company who manufactured the boat. But there is no positive response from them. I have moved a file proposing to the government to float a tender and give it on hire. We are also exploring options if it can be used for tourism related activities and generate revenue,” Phal Dessai said.
As per the announcement made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the time of commissioning the ferry boat on October 13, 2022, it was supposed to ply on Chorao-Panjim route.
The particular ferry boat has three different modes of charging including, solar energy and diesel generator. It has a capacity of 60 passengers.