Panaji: The river navigation department on Thursday submitted a feasibility report for the proposed Goa water metro project to chief minister Pramod Sawant. RND minister Subhash Phal Dessai said that a total of eight river routes have been found to be feasible to operate 87 vessels through 32 ferry terminals on a 111-km route network. The potential for a ninth route, which is a sea route, is also being explored, he added.The comprehensive feasibility report for the proposed project has outlined a Rs 3,146-crore plan prepared following surveys and studies by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL).“The proposal is inspired by the successful water metro model in Kerala, so KMRL representatives and technical experts carried out feasibility studies over the past year and found that Goa is among the most suitable locations in India for such an initiative,” he said.The project will primarily use existing navigable waterways along the Mandovi and Zuari rivers while also incorporating select coastal routes. Major proposed terminals include Panaji, Betim, Cortalim, Old Goa, Vasco da Gama, Dona Paula, Fort Aguada, Chapora, Cumbarjua, Divar Island, Chorao Island and Tiracol.Additional terminals are proposed at Madkai, Raibandar, Brittona, Reis Magos, Narve, Dhauji, Gaundalim, Querim and other riverine locations.The Panaji-Reis Magos-Fort Aguada-Baga Creek-Chapora corridor recorded the highest projected financial internal rate of return (FIRR) at 12.58%, while the Panaji-Britona-Chorao route showed a FIRR of 7.86%. However, the Vasco-Cortalim route was marked as “not feasible” under the present assessment.The project’s overall economic internal rate of return (EIRR) was calculated at 15.83%, described as economically viable.Under the optimistic scenario, daily ridership is projected to rise from approximately 43,240 passengers in 2025 to 59,099 or even 60,639 passengers by 2041, the report states.The report also highlighted operational challenges. Areas near Fort Aguada may require protective breakwater structures because of wave and tidal activity at sea-river confluence zones. Baga Creek and other river mouths are vulnerable to siltation and sandbar formation.
