Goa Launches First Ro-Ro Ferry Service Between Chorao Island And Panaji, Cutting Commute Time By Over Half

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated Goa's first Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service, connecting Chorao island to the capital city, Panaji, via the Mandovi River on Monday (14 July), reported PTI.

The service is expected to significantly reduce travel time for commuters, replacing the slower conventional ferry boats.

According to River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Desai, the new Ro-Ro service will cut the commute from 30 minutes to just 12 minutes.

He said that the Ro-Ro ferries allow vehicles to drive in from one end and exit from the other, streamlining the boarding and deboarding process.

With no bridge currently connecting Chorao Island to the mainland, the Ro-Ro service marks a critical step in improving accessibility and convenience for residents.

The two Ro-Ro ferries, named Gangotri and Dwarka, have been constructed by Goa-based Vijai Marines Shipyards and will be operated under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.

Each vessel can accommodate up to 40 two-wheelers and 15 cars and is capable of 360-degree maneuvering in case of emergencies.

In addition to safety features like lifejackets, the ferries also offer an air-conditioned passenger compartment with seating for 50 people.

The service will be free for passengers and two-wheelers, while cars will be charged a nominal fee of Rs 15 per trip.

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