Panaji: The proposed roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service on the Divar-Sao Pedro route has been delayed due to pending ramp construction, pushing its expected launch from Dec to the first week of Feb 2027. It will be Goa’s second Ro-Ro ferry route after Ribandar-Chorao.The service is, however, expected to become operational before the upcoming assembly elections.“One side of the ramp is completed, while work on the other side is going on. Another two to three months will be required for its completion,” director of river navigation Vikram Rajebhosale said.The project envisages two Ro-Ro vessels, each with a capacity of eight cars. They will be smaller than the existing ferries on the Ribandar-Chorao route, which can carry 16 cars each. The new vessels are expected to be approximately 25 to 35 metres long.The project will also use imported thruster technology. According to the river navigation department (RND), the vessel builder has opted for an advanced propulsion and manoeuvring system, with equipment understood to have been sourced from South Korea.“The technology is different from the systems commonly used, and it could be among the first procurements of its kind by the company in India,” Rajebhosale said.“The shipbuilder took the decision to adopt the advanced system with a view to improving operational efficiency and simplifying long-term maintenance. Although the initial project cost is expected to increase, the technology is anticipated to reduce running, repair and maintenance expenses while improving efficiency,” he added.
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