Goa Cracks Down on Free Tourist Rides on Island Ferries

There will be no free ferry rides for tourists in Goa on the upcoming RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) vessels. The river navigation department (RND) has proposed to govt to introduce fares on the two RoRos that will operate on the Ribandar-Chorao route next month. A file in this regard is being moved to govt for approval.

According to the proposal, each rental car will incur a charge of Rs 300, and each rental bike will be charged Rs 100. Pedestrian tourists will have to pay a nominal fee of Rs 50 per person for a RoRo ferry ride. RND sources said ferries in Goa are often used by tourists for “joyrides rather than daily commute”, and as such, the fare structure is being proposed “to ensure that the ferry service remains efficient for its intended purpose”.

“The Chorao island is a popular destination for bird lovers and picnickers, due to which we are anticipating a significant footfall of tourists on this route,” sources said. Fares have also been set for local commuters. Two-wheeler users will have to pay Rs 10 while four-wheeler users will have to pay Rs 30. Like all other ferry routes, local pedestrians will travel free of cost on the RoRos. The RND will also introduce a monthly pass system to travel on the RoRos. Pass holders will receive the perks of lower travel costs, paying only Rs 5 for two-wheelers and Rs 15 for four-wheelers.

RoRo ferries are larger than the existing vessels in Goa, built to carry more commuters. They have the capacity to carry 15 two-wheeler vehicles simultaneously. Adherence to RND regulations dictates a maximum occupancy of 150 commuters per vessel to ensure passenger safety. The two RoRos are expected to be operational from July 1, following a tentative launch date of June 28.

Besides being a vessel that commuters can roll in and out of, the new ferries will feature air-conditioned seating. The construction of the two unique ferries was commissioned by the RND on a build-and-operate basis. While the RND gave the shipbuilder a deadline of May 1 for the completion of both ferries, the process faced several setbacks, delaying the launch. It was not until the first week of May that the ferries were released into the Zuari river for a trial run, following which another trial was conducted on the Ribandar-Chorao route.

Also Read: Goa Tourism Transforms into Year-Round Global Destination

Goa Cracks Down on Free Tourist Rides on Island Ferries