Sarbananda Sonowal reviews the operational readiness of the Voyage Express
Commercial trials of the
RoRo Pax ferry is ongoing as it aims to cut down travel time between Ghogha and
Hazira by 70%: Sarbanada Sonowal
As per the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Ports,
Shipping & Waterways are sprucing up inland waterways with RoPax ferries to
save time & cost: Sarbananda Sonowal
Plans afoot to start Ro Ro Pax ferry service between Muldwarka and Pipavav
soon: Sonowal
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and
Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal today visited the Ghogha terminal in Gujarat to
review the ongoing commercial trials of the Voyage Express, which also
generates solar power. This hybrid energy powered ferry is one of its kind as
it is 134 meters long and can carry 50 trucks, 25 light commercial trucks, 70
cars, 50 two wheelers along with 600 passengers. This new ferry service between
Saurashtra and South Gujarat will cut down travel time by almost 70%; i.e. from
11 hours by road or train to around 3.5 hours by ferry now. The Union Minister
inspected the all the facilities in the boat and reviewed its operational
status with the management today.
The Deendayal Port Authority, under the Ministry of
Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), developed a new State of the Art Ro-Ro
terminal at Hazira in Surat which is being run independently. The design of the
terminal is simple and effective for passenger comfort for a wonderful
travelling experience. By developing the inland waterways transportation
between the South Gujarat and Saurashtra, the convenience of travel has now
improved manifold with a shorter, cheaper and ecologically sound mode of
transportation as compared to historic modes of connectivity via roads or
railways which is time consuming and expensive. The commercial trial runs have
been going on since 4th September and it will be put to regular service
shortly. The ferry has also entertainment zone, multiple cafeterias and best
sea view cabins for best passenger experience. It has quality infrastructure
for truck drivers to rest onboard improving their turnaround time.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal, said, “Under the
dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , the government is
working on utilising the coastal waterways and inland waterways for maximum
benefit of the people, industry and commerce in the country. As per Modi ji’s
vision, many new and innovative steps are being taken to optimise coastal
transportation, developing inland waterways and modernise ports in the country.
This has resulted in many new development including the country’s ports has
achieved maximum cargo handled ever. The Ro Ro Pax service has helped improve
the transportation of people and cargo in an economical, ecological &
efficient manner. The people of the region, especially from Ghogha and Hazira,
will be greatly benefit from this service that is soon going to be dedicated to
the nation. The Modi government is also working on starting a similar service
between Muldwarka and Pipava soon.”
The Shipping Minister said, “Under the leadership of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is marching ahead towards achieving
the goal of becoming ‘Atmanirbhar.’ It is a matter of great pride that our
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country to become the fifth largest
economy in the world. This is a huge achievement for all countrymen. It is
absolute that India will become the best country in the world with the
confidence, strength, valour & confidence provided by Modi ji to move
ahead.”
Sonowal also visited Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard at
Bhavnagar along with senior MoPSW officials, European Delegates and officials
from other departments.
During the visit at plot no. 25
and plot no 2 of the yard, amongst total 131 working plots, the Minister
depicted the compliances done with respect to Hong Kong Convention and European
Union standards in terms of safety, health and environmental aspects. He also
suggested to upgrade more plots to match the EU requirements so as to make
Alang the top notch destination for ship recycling in world.
Sonowal also visited the Worker’s
Safety Training Institute and the Multi-Speciality Hospital, where he
interacted with the workers as well as patients.