Goa Government is planning to introduce ‘water taxis’ in its inland waterways between Panaji and Old Goa.
The announcement was made while tabling the performance budget of the River Navigation department (RND) for the financial year 2019-2020.
These ferry boats operating on solar powered. With this Goa, will introduce water taxis i.e. fast solar energy-operated hybrid ferry boats.
Key Facts
Goa’s RND has a fleet of 34 ferry boats which cater to different inland routes, connecting islands to the mainstream areas
Techno-feasibility study of these facilities has been completed and actual construction (of jetties) will start later this year.
Sagarmala project of Central government also has funded reconstruction of nine jetties in Goa.
Sagarmala Programme
It is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping to promote portled development in the country by exploiting India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and its strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.