Proposal to hike ferry fare has Goans on edge

Under the revised rates, two-wheelers can avail of a monthly pass for unlimited trips for Rs 150 and four-wheelers can avail of the monthly pass for Rs 600. For medium commercial vehicles, the proposed rate per trip is 100, while a monthly pass for unlimited trips can be availed for Rs 1,500. The new rates shall come into effect from November 16.

Residents of several islands between Mandovi and Zuari rivers, including Divar, Chorao, and St Estevam have urged the government to roll back the hike, terming the decision ‘exorbitant’ and ‘hasty’. For people of Divar and its sister island Vanxim – which are yet to be connected to the mainland by a bridge, the situation is particularly worrisome, said Mario Pinto, sarpanch of Goltim-Navelim panchayat in Divar.

Both the panchayats on the island have written to the government, threatening to stage a protest if the new fares are not revoked.

“For people of Divar, life revolves around ferries. People take ferries for work, to run errands, and for any medical emergency. This hike will adversely affect the residents of Divar. It will effectively handicap us. We have requested the government to roll back the hike,” said Pinto.

A letter from Goltim-Navelim panchayat, addressed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Friday, states, “The decision of the River Navigation department to revise the ticket chart for ferry transport, which is the only mode of transport for the islanders to reach the mainland will prejudicially affect the members of the island… Use of ferry by the islanders is inevitable and a daily exercise to reach the mainland… it provides commutation to students in search of educational pursuits and bread earners in providing livelihood to their household.”

Supriya Tari, sarpanch, Sao Matias village panchayat, Divar said, “For people of Vanxim, two ferries have to be taken to reach Old Goa. The new charges should be revoked. We have passed a resolution to this effect and will oppose this move.”

River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai has defended the hike in charges on vehicles using the ferry services, stating that the charges have been levied ‘rationally’. He said over Rs 40-50 crore is spent on providing free ferry services, which could be utilised to modernise the fleet.

“We cannot be hung up on the same services as 40 years ago. We must move forward with the times. The fare of Rs 150 a month is equivalent to one litre of petrol or a restaurant tip. People should not protest. How are we to run this system without revenue?” he said.

According to an estimate, over 22,000 commuters on 28 ferry boats along 18 routes across the state take ferryboats daily.