Ro-Ro Pax services move one step closer to reality

In order to speed up process for starting Ro-Ro Pax services on east coast of Mumbai between Ferry wharf to Mandwa and Ferry Wharf to Nerul, the Maharashtra Maritime Board has invited Expression of Interest for appointment of operator who will run the operations.

The job of the operator will be to update MMB with the design of the Ro-Ro Pax services and Ferry that would be used for ferrying passengers and based on this MMB would create the facilities at the port.

MMB Chief Engineer Kiran Vijaykar said , "The main reason behind calling the EOI is because we want the interested parties to mention in EOI details about arrangement of model of implementation for the project, quantum of the potential passenger expected to be handled like car, goods, vehicles and passengers."

The main condition that has been kept forward includes design of Ro - Ro Pax or the vehicle that would be used should be approved by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) which is a body that deals with maritime safety and regulations through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.

It should be noted that once operational the RO-RO Pax services would be operational between Ferry Wharf to Mandwa covering a distance of 10 nautical miles and fast passenger ferry services from Ferry Wharf to Nerul covering a distance of 11 nautical miles.

In the month of November this year, mid day had done a story (Soon, you can sail to Mandwa with your car!) in which it was stated that in two years, you will be able to ferry your vehicle between Mandwa, Ferry Wharf and Nerul on a ship as Maharashtra Maritime Board floats preliminary tender to construct bund .

Now that the tenders for Ro-Pax and Pax vessel operator have been invited, the process will be more faster and will help in implementation of the project . The last date for submission of EOI is December 31.