Hovercraft, Ro-Ro services soon in Gujarat:Minister

Gujarat government will start hovercraft services this year for tourism promotion. The state will also start a Ro-Ro Ferry service according to Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas’s statement in the state assembly today.

“A 33-seat hovercraft will be operational this year between Dwarka and Bet Dwarka in a joint venture of Gujarat Maritime Board and Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited at a cost of Rs. 6.30 crore for estimated benifit of about 56 lakh tourists also between Okha and Dwarka, Porbandar to Madhavpur, Somnath to Diu and Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath,” Vyas told the house.

The hovercraft will be useful also for the rescue operations according to Vyas.

GMB has also got a report from the international agency Backett and Rankin for starting Ro-Ro ferry service suggesting five potential sites:Ghogha, Dahej, Jaffrabad, Pipavav and Suvali near Surat, Vyas said.

“The state government has sanctioned Rs 296 crore, for this service. The first service will start from Gogha to Dahej,” he told the house. By starting Ro-Ro service, travel-distance would be shortened due to the use of sea route, he said.