The Gujarat government has decided to shut the service during rains because of high tide and heavy current in the Arabian sea between June and September
The Roll On Roll Off passenger (Ropax) ferry service between Dahej near Surat and Ghogha near Bhavnagar would remain non-operational during monsoons every year. The Gujarat government has decided to shut the service during rains because of high tide and heavy current in the Arabian sea between June and September.
The vessel, which left from China two months ago, has reached Taiwan and is expected to arrive at the coast in Gujarat around September. The state government also suspended Ro-Ro service from June 06 because of heavy current in the sea.
Vice chairman and CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board, Ajay Bhadoo, said, "We have observed that the current in Arabian sea remains very high during the monsoons and that is why it would not be advisable to run the service during that time."
"We also observed the same in the past few days, after a ship was hit by waves severely. It made passengers nauseous and seasick. Even crew members faced the same issues, prompting us to suspend the service. For regular Ropax service, we are yet to assess the teething problems, as the vessel should adjust with the existing structure of span and jetty and that will take some time," Bhadoo said.
It could be hazardous to ply the vessel with a huge load, as it already includes 1,000 or more passengers and 100 transport vehicles.
The Ro-Ro ferry service meant solely for passengers was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in November last year. The service got a good response as it was convenient for people to travel from Surat to Bhavnagar. It would reach from one end to another in one hour, which takes almost nine hours if travelled by road.
The service ship will have different areas for passengers and transport vehicles. The ship will also have different services like restaurant and recreation available on board for passengers.
WHY STOP SERVICE
The Gujarat government has decided to shut the service during rains because of high tide and heavy current in the Arabian sea between June and September.
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