GANDHINAGAR : Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Chief Minister, Gujarat State lays foundation stone of Boat Berthing facilities for the Pilgrims of Narmada Parikrama at Luvara (Dahej) and also performed ground-breaking ceremony of the Project at village Luvara (Mithitalai) in the presence of Shri. Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Minister (State), Shri Ishwarsinh Patel, Minister (State), Shri Rana Arunsinh Ajitsinh, MLA-Vagra and other senior Government officials.

 

Further, Chief Minister had also visited the nearby site where, Gujarat Maritime Board is implementing Ro-Ro ferry project in the Gulf of Khambhat between Dahej – Gogha. The project involves three components:

 

1. Terminal construction at Dahej & Gogha 2. Dredging at both locations 3. Operation of ferry and terminals.

 

The overall estimated budget for the project is Rs. 615 crore, including terminal construction at Rs. 290 crore and dredging (capital & maintenance dredging for 2 years) at Rs. 277 crore. The terminal construction project has achieved 90% physical completion, while 75% of dredging has been completed. The private operator for ferry and terminal has been selected and selection of vessels is under process. Integrating terminal construction, dredging and ferry operation is the critical for the success of the project, due to high tidal range, siltation and sea-currents. Hon. Chief Minister Shri Vijaybhai Rupani visited the project facilities at Dahej and reviewed the project progress.

 

Once implemented, the project will reduce the travel time between Dahej – Gogha from 7 hours to 1.5 hours and distance from 370 km to 31 km. This will reduce the congestion on existing road network and reduce road accidents considerably. The project will also be environment friendly by reducing carbon emission and saving in fuel consumption. Once the project construction and dredging is completed, ferry operation will be started subsequently.