Two newly constructed ferries—named Salaulim and Kushavati—will be officially launched on the Betim side of the Mandovi River to service the Panaji-Betim route. According to River Navigation Department (RND) Director Vikram Rajebhosale, the vessels are ready for deployment from the Betim marine workshop after passing “fully satisfactory” trial runs.
Built at a total cost of Rs 4 crore (Rs 2 crore each), these upgraded ferries can carry up to 150 passengers and nine cars at a speed of nine knots. This is a notable improvement over the older fleet, which travels at seven knots and holds only 100 passengers and six cars.
By supporting the 11,000 passengers who use this vital waterway daily, the RND anticipates these new vessels will significantly reduce road congestion on the Mandovi bridge, particularly benefiting commuters from Porvorim, Betim, and Calangute.
