Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched phase one of the Rs 615 Crore 'roll on- roll off' ferry service between Ghogha in Saurashtra and Dahej in a rally in Gujarat last week. “This is the firt of its kind project not only in India but also in South-East Asia. This is also a unique project as the State government has used the latest technology to make this ferry service possible,” he said. Speaking at a public meeting in Bhavnagar after the inauguration, Modi said, “I am happy to be in Gujarat to personally convey New Year greetings. This programme may be for a ferry between Ghogha and Dahej, but this programme is of vital importance for the entire nation.”
“The history of human civilisation illustrates the vitality of rivers and maritime trade. Gujarat is the land of Lothal. How can we forget these aspects of our history. This programme is to bring back to life our glorious past, connect Saurashtra and South Gujarat. Imagine how much time and petrol this ferry service will save. This ferry service connects Saurashtra and South Gujarat... people from these regions frequently travel to and fro.”
“Gujarat is blessed with a long coastline and we should harness opportunities arising due to this. We took steps in developing coastal infrastructure,” NaMo. “This ferry service will not be restricted to this one route. We are planning to link other places also through ferries.”
