PANAJI, GOA — In a significant boost to the state’s inland water transport infrastructure, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially commissioned two state-of-the-art ferry boats, named Kushavati and Salaulim, at the Betim Ferry Ramp on Friday. The event, which coincided with the Chief Minister’s birthday celebrations, marks a pivotal step toward modernizing the Panaji-Betim river route and easing traffic congestion in the capital.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Minister for River Navigation Subhash Phal Dessai, and local MLA Kedar Naik. The new vessels are part of a broader state initiative to upgrade the aging fleet of the River Navigation Department (RND) and provide commuters with safer, more efficient transit options.
Enhancing Connectivity and Capacity
The two new vessels, Kushavati and Salaulim, have been specifically designed to handle the high volume of traffic between Panaji and Betim. Key technical specifications of the boats include:
- Passenger Capacity: Each boat can carry up to 150 passengers simultaneously.
- Vehicle Capacity: The Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) design allows for the transport of nine cars or a mix of heavy vehicles and two-wheelers.
- Speed: The vessels are capable of maintaining speeds of up to 9 knots, significantly reducing the time required for cross-river transit.
Speaking at the launch, CM Pramod Sawant emphasized the importance of these boats for the local workforce and residents. “On the occasion of my birthday, the Ro-Ro ferry was inaugurated so that people can get an easy transfer facility through river navigation,” the CM stated. He noted that the state is committed to a “Blue Economy” vision, leveraging Goa’s vast network of rivers to reduce the burden on land-based roads.
Addressing Safety and River Debris
The commissioning of these boats follows recent concerns regarding ferry breakdowns on several routes. Minister Subhash Phal Dessai addressed these issues directly during the event, explaining that the new technology integrated into Kushavati and Salaulim is 100% safe.
He clarified that most modern ferry delays are not due to mechanical failure but are caused by “river debris.” Floating wood, discarded nets, and cloths often become entangled in the propellers during strong currents, necessitating temporary stops. The new boats feature improved engine cooling systems and propeller guards designed to mitigate these environmental challenges.
Environmental Impact and Future Plans
The introduction of these vessels is part of Goa’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. By encouraging commuters to use water transport instead of driving long distances around the bridges, the RND hopes to significantly decrease the state’s carbon footprint.
MLA Kedar Naik highlighted that the demand for these ferries was long-standing. With the new vessels available from 7:00 AM daily, the Panaji-Betim route will now see more frequent trips, effectively acting as a bridge on the water.
A Modernized River Navigation Department
The RND has also upgraded the infrastructure surrounding the ferry ramps. New passenger waiting shades, enhanced lighting, and a dedicated toilet block have been added to the Betim jetty to improve the overall commuter experience.
As the 2026 tourism season approaches, the administration plans to further expand the Ro-Ro service to other critical routes, including the Chorao-Ribandar and Old Goa-Piedade sectors. The focus remains on providing “round-the-clock” service to ensure that even the remotest islanders have reliable access to the mainland.
With the commissioning of Kushavati and Salaulim, the Goa government has sent a clear message: the future of Goan transportation lies in its heritage of inland waterways, revitalized with 21st-century technology.
