Commuters using the Borivli–Gorai ferry route across Gorai Creek have raised safety concerns over overcrowding, missing personnel and a narrowed access road at the jetty ahead of the planned Ro-Ro ferry service by the Maharashtra Maritime Board
The construction site at the Borivli side of the Ro-Ro jetty. Pics/Nimesh Dave
Commuters have raised safety concerns about the new jetty on the Borivli-Gorai ferry route, where Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) boat services will be introduced, allowing more passengers and vehicles to be ferried across the Gorai creek.
Lack of personnel
Late last year, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) appointed personnel to ensure ferries don’t get overcrowded with vehicles or passengers. They also ensured that all passengers donned life vests. A few commuters claimed that these individuals are no longer present. Rossi D’Souza, a Gorai resident and member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, said, “Nowadays, I don’t see the security personnel near the jetty in the morning or evening. Because of this, no one follows the rules regarding overcrowding or life vests.”
Narrow route
A commuter said, “While the jetty was previously not extremely wide, it wasn’t so narrow that ambulances couldn’t be accommodated, but since the construction has started, two vehicles can barely be driven abreast of each other. The narrow path leads to overcrowding on weekends.” He added, “Should some accident happen, God forbid, an ambulance carrying victims would have to take the Bhayandar route, wasting precious time.”
Official speak
An MMB executive engineer said, “After four or five days, there will be more and proper walking space for regular commuters. We are going to ensure a smooth commute for all.”
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