Panaji: Chorao Island representatives met with the river navigation department (RND) officials to discuss the launch of RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry services next week on the Chorao-Ribandar route. They raised concerns over the proposed fares.“In the existing system, the ferry services are free for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. However, we were informed that the new RoRo ferries will charge vehicle owners, owing to which, we have requested the RND through the Chorao panchayat to give us some relief,” a villager said.Ferry travel is free for pedestrians and two-wheelers, and four-wheelers will be charged Rs 30 and Rs 15 with a pass. Rent-a-cars will be charged Rs 100, while tourist vehicles will be charged Rs 300. Tourists who take joy rides will be charged Rs 50 per day. The pass will be managed via a special app costing Rs 900 per month.The RND assured villagers that the pass system will allow multiple daily trips. The villagers agreed and also supported the RND charging tourists a higher fare for the rides, as well as demanding that the contact details of all RND officials be displayed on RoRos for passenger convenience.“The RoRo has an air-conditioned passenger cabin. We are, therefore, expecting tourist footfalls aboard the ferry, especially since many tourists tend to take the ferry merely to enjoy the ride,” said RND director, Vikram Rajebhosale.The two RoRo ferries will operate from 7am to 9pm, while three regular ferry boats will ply from 9pm to 7am. The travel time on the ferry route has been reduced from 25 to 13 minutes.
