Goa’s inland waterways system needs to be overhauled to decongest the roads (EDITORIAL)
Thursday saw a lively discussion in the state legislative assembly on the vast potential of inland waterways. Speaking during the discussion on demands for grants to the river navigation department, among others, several MLAs, both from the ruling and Opposition benches, called for the expansion of water-based transport services.
The launch of the Ro-Ro ferry service on the Ribandar–Chorao route before the commencement of the monsoon session may have brought much cheer to the ruling side. No doubt, it is the first time that two Ro-Ro ferry services have been commissioned. The response from commuters has shown that more such modern modes of waterway transport need to be launched on other busy routes. Over the decades, hardly any attention has been given by successive governments to the improvement of waterways or the infrastructure needed for such services. Experts have long suggested the use of waterways for passenger transport. Such a service, if run efficiently, will help decongest the roads. Currently, the highways and district roads witness heavy vehicular traffic, and road accidents are on the rise. Haphazard attempts had been made in the past to introduce ferries on busy routes, including between Dona Paula and Mormugao, but the service was short-lived.
On Thursday, two MLAs from Mormugao taluka—Sankalp Amonkar and Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar—called upon the government to resume the Dona Paula–Mormugao service. Salkar also suggested a water metro. Union minister Nitin Gadkari, earlier this year, had called for efforts from the Goa government to explore the possibility of a water metro, especially to decongest the roads.
Gadkari, who has immensely contributed to the development of expressways in the country, would not make statements about a water metro in Goa without knowing its feasibility. Kerala has a system of its own—the Kochi Water Metro is a sustainable mode of transportation. Goa can definitely explore ways of expanding water transport.
Infrastructure such as ramps and jetties need to be overhauled. A few have been done recently; however, much more needs to be done. Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar expressed concern over the misuse of ferry ramps at Agarwada and Chopdem. With the state governments over the years not giving much attention to waterways, it is the private sector that has been eyeing our rivers. Arolkar said that “yachts and boats are parked without paying fees”. This clearly shows that, as tourism offers huge potential for such water-driven activities, entrepreneurs are investing in luxury boats. There is no doubt that private enterprise has to play an active role for any industry to grow. However, public transport utilising waterways cannot take a backseat to satisfy private players. Public transport must be a priority for any government.
Goa is well-connected by rivers, and ferries ply on 17 routes on a daily basis. This alone explains how many people live on islands or crisscross rivers to get to work. It is a pity that the river navigation sector has remained backward. Islanders have suffered through no fault of their own. It would be prudent not to impose high fares for new ferry services. Instead, wasteful expenditure in several departments should be curbed. There is no master plan for inland waterways. Safety is one aspect that needs more attention. Many ferryboats have experienced breakdowns, and they have been in operation for many years. For tourism too, inland waterways need to be expanded. The government must take a fresh look at the state’s inland waterways and prepare a master plan for the purpose.
