Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Govt eyes waterways ---------------------------- The State government has commenced exploring the possibility of introducing inland waterways as an additional and cheaper means of passenger transportation within the State of Goa.
Following a cabinet approval, the concept which was toyed upon in the past, kicked off today with key government officials sailing along one of the routes which is likely to be considered for the inland water transport system.Though details and modalities are still being worked out by the departments involved with inland waterways, an important route on the list is the Panjim-Vasco route while another is the Panjim-Sanquelim.
The old route from Dona Paula to Harbour has been struck out in view of the inconvenience caused to commuters. Motor-boats are also expected to add attraction to the new mode of conveyance. According to information available, water transport from Panjim to Sanquelim is around 22 kilometers as against road transport calculated at 45 kilometers.
The new concept is likely to see the light of the day shortly considering the fact that road transport in Goa is plagued with accidents, while the lack of additional land to widen roads is leading to congestion and increasing bottlenecks.
The government is also exploring the possibility of utilizing inland waterways for transportation of goods and commodities into Goa.The waterways which are endowed with a network of rivers is also being looked upon as a facet for developing water transport for tourism activities which could generate employment directly and indirectly.
Besides opening waterways transport in the private sector in terms of regular boats for passenger transportation, the government is also proposing to introduce boat taxis for tourists, and also boat houses in a bid to compete with the hotel industry.
Highly placed government officials said that waterways traffic would be required to be strengthened to ensure safety. Similarly, rules for licensing are also being worked on and strengthening of infrastructure namely jetties, dredging of rivers, communication systems etc. are also being considered.
The initial survey which commenced today was carried out Development Commission Dr Vijay Madan, Secretary for Inland Water Transport Rajiv Yaduvanshi, Director of Transport D A Hawaldar, Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Pramod Shetye and Captain of Ports Captain A P Mascarenhas. ---------------------------------- HERALD 17/9/03 page 1 ---------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
##########################################################################
# Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts #
# More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others #
##########################################################################