Goa considers two mini Ro-Ro ferries between Marcaim and Verna

The Times of India reported on 19 October 2026 that the Goa government is considering a roll-on/roll-off ferry service linking Marcaim with the Verna industrial estate, after representations from industry stakeholders and local representatives.

Vikramsinh Rajebhosale, director of the river navigation department, said: "The proposed service is expected to benefit workers travelling to the Verna industrial estate, particularly those residing on the Marcaim side." He said workers now have to travel across the region to reach workplaces in Verna, and that a ferry could potentially reduce travel time and commuting costs.

The newspaper says the proposal follows demand from the industrial sector, and that the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been advocating the service. It says the project envisages two 20-metre Ro-Ro vessels, each carrying six cars. The type of vessel and the propulsion technology remain undecided. It says the Austrian thruster technology used on the Ribandar–Chorao vessels is most likely to be used.

Rajebhosale said: "The process will start now, but the actual implementation will be in the next financial year. Provisions will be made accordingly."