1) Inauguration of Ferry Boat “Konkan Kanya” at Jaigad

The ferry boat service at Jaigarh between Saitavade and Katale was inaugurated on 5th of April 2005. MEDC’s Konkan Regional Director, Mr. Chandrakant Sadadekar, and other Konkan committee members, Mr. Indrajit Sawant, Mr. Atul Hule, Mr. Dilip Bhatkar and Mr.Sanjay Yadavrao attended the function. Mine owners Mr. Bhausaheb Newalkar & Mr.Anil Newalkar, Ex-Minister Mr.Bhausaheb Khanwilkar, Ex-Vice Chancellor of Dapoli Krishi Vidyapeeth Dr. Kadrekar and Customs Commissioner Mr.Khan, attended the function.

Mr. Chandrakant Sadadekar unveiled a model replica of the Ferry Boat ‘Konkan Kanya’ and Mr. Madhu Mangesh Karnik, (famous Marathi author) inaugurated the jetty for direct unloading cargo at United Dockyard - Katale.

The ferry boat is started by M/s. Marine Syndicate (P) Ltd., Ratnagiri, the company formed by about 60 local people, led by Mariner Capt. Dilip Bhatkar.

Due to Ferry Boat, the people of Ratnagiri Taluka & Guhagar Taluka can travel within 12 minutes (point to point) by ferry boats against 2.30 hours travels of about 71k.m. by road. The local people & tourists can easily move Velneshwar, Hedvi (famous Ganesh mandir) in Guhaghar and Ganapatipule (famous Ganesh mandir & beach) and Malgund & other tourist spots in Ratnagiri. Ferry boat can carry vehicles (bus, cars, scooters/motor-cycles) & about 100 passengers/tourists. This ferryboat will have dual function; 1) day time – point to point for vehicles and passengers & 2) late evening – ‘CRUISE’ service for 100 tourists.

Looking to the traffic, one more ferry boat is required, for the same area.

Also, United Dockyard’s jetty at Katale can directly unload 6,000T/day Bauxite (without conveyor belt). This is in addition of 3,500T/day capacity at Lavagan port (which is with conveyor belt) of Marine Syndicate.

 

2) MTDC’s catamaran “Gateway Glory” at Rai-Bhatgaon, Jaigarh

On 6th of April 2005, MTDC started their catamaran ‘Gateway Glory’ at Rai-Bhatgaon, Jaigarh for Indian tourists & also taking foreign tourists of “DECCAN ODISSEY” in the region. The ‘Gateway Glory’ is a double decker catamaran, having capacity of 120 passengers.

MEDC had suggested/proposed MTDC to start above catamaran on Konkan coast. This is a very good move to promote tourism by Waterways.