India Behind The Lens (News Centre)

Chief minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for constructing the Ro-Ro terminal at Gogha, 20 km from Bhavnagar today, January 25. Development of Ro-Ro ferry service terminals at Ghogha in Bhavnagar and at Dahej in Bharuch, will help in drastically changing the passenger and vehicular traffic in the region, says CM.

The purpose of the project is to facilitate the establishment of a vehicular and passenger ferry service across the the Gulf of Khambhat, Due to its peculiar geographical configuration, the Gulf of Khambhat has advantage for the operation of Ro-Ro ferry service. "We plan to run ferries that can carry maximum number of passengers and vehicles on this route once the terminals are ready. Initially, we will be running 2-3 ferry vessels and looking at its utility, the number would be increased," said Shri Pankajkumar of GMB. The circuitous road distance around the Gulf of Cambay between the Gogha and Dahej is 360 km. However, the distance will reduce to just 31 km using the sea route.

The construction of terminals at Ghogha and Dahej will be completed in 15 months.The project cost of the ferry service is estimated to be Rs 296 crore and commenced in 2013. According to officials, the project will include construction of berthing jetty, structure for pontoon, access bund, access trestle, link-span bridge, dredging, land reclamation, parking, provision of passenger amenities and terminal connectivity, among others.

Ro-Ro ferries are special vessels on to which vehicles can drive and be accommodated for the sea journey on special vehicle decks. The maximum capacity ferry vehicle is expected to have capacity to accommodate more than 100 vehicles including trucks, buses, cars, etc and more than 1,000 passengers in each of its trips.

The state government is also planning to construct approximately 6.5 km four-lane rigid pavement connecting Ghogha ferry terminal from the state highway.


"Gujarat government, through its visionary policies and proactive measures, has ensured that these natural advantages are not wasted. Government has led Gujarat to become number one maritime state in the country," CM Narendra Modi said.

The Revolutionary Project of Gogha Dahej Ro-Ro Ferry Service at a glance:

* Facilitates safe and speedy movement of vehicles with cargo/passengers in the Gulf of Kambhat between Gogha and Dahej

* Reduces the journey distance from 360 km by road to 31 km by sea route

* Approved budget of Rs.296 crores

* Results in saving of fuel and contributes towards a pollution free, cleaner and greener Gujarat.