Odisha authorities okays ro-ro ferry service in Chilika Lake

By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR :  The Commerce and Transport division has given its nod for launching of roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) ferry service in Chilika lake to make transport extra handy for the folks residing within the areas surrounding the lagoon. 

Transport Secretary Madhu Sudan Padhi stated the tourism division has been accorded permission to function the ro-ro ferry MV Bhupen Hazarika from Satapada to Janhikuda in Puri district below the executive management of Chilika Development Authority (CDA). 

Sources stated the service will assist in straightforward transport of wheeled cargo comparable to automobiles, vans, trailers and so forth pushed on and off the ferry on their very own wheels or with the assistance of a platform automobile. 

The ferry service has been persevering with between Janhikuda and Satapada for final three and half years.

While there was just one vessel for the service at first, the State authorities in September final 12 months had allowed CDA to function second ferry service between Janhikuda and Satapada. 

Officials of Directorate of Ports and Inland Water Transport stated the MV Bhupen Hazarika will likely be larger than the prevailing vessels.

The high-tech ferry has the capability to hold a bus, 5 automobiles and 50 passengers at a time.

The officers, nevertheless, stated a feasibility research will likely be carried out earlier than bringing the vessel to Satapada for its operation. 

“It may take at least two to three months for launching of the ferry service as the water depth of the Chilika mouth has reduced due to siltation and may require dredging to bring the ferry into the lake,” stated Director Padma Lochan Roul. 

According to CDA officers, hundreds of individuals have already been benefited by the prevailing ferry service between Satkosia and Janhikuda because it has decreased the journey distance between the 2 locations in Krushnaprasad block from 70 km to simply round 5 km.