Another Ferry breakdown in Cumbarjua Canal : Congress blames BJP’s ‘criminal negligence’

Goa Khabar : A major tragedy was narrowly averted in the Cumbarjua canal on Tuesday as yet another ferry boat suffered a serious breakdown mid-journey, putting lives of passengers at grave risk. The incident has sparked a wave of criticism, with the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) blaming the BJP-led state government for what it calls “criminal negligence.”

In a strongly worded statement issued by GPCC President Amit Patkar, the Congress Party held Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and his government accountable for the repeated failures in Goa’s ferry transport system — a critical mode of connectivity for many riverside villages.

“This is not an accident. This is criminal negligence,” said Patkar, accusing the government of ignoring repeated warnings, viral videos, and public outcry about the deteriorating condition of the ferry services.

Pattern of Neglect

Highlighting a consistent pattern of disregard for safety, the GPCC pointed to recent viral videos showing ferries stalling mid-canal, dangerously drifting close to barges, broken ramps, missing life jackets, and non-operational boats.

“There are no safety drills, no proper maintenance, and no accountability. The government has failed to enforce even basic Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” the statement noted.

The Congress also accused BJP leaders of routinely shifting blame across departments, from the Chief Minister to the RND Minister Subhash Faldesai, and eventually down the chain to the coxswain, while protecting the real culprits within the system.

“This collapse is not technical — it’s political. It is the result of deep-rooted corruption, apathy, and misgovernance,” Patkar said.

Demands from the Congress

The GPCC issued a four-point demand list in response to the latest incident:

1. Immediate suspension of the responsible RND officials and a criminal investigation into repeated ferry failures.

2. A comprehensive safety audit of all ferry boats, ramps, and related infrastructure.

3. Deployment of life-saving equipment and trained personnel, along with strict implementation of SOPs.

4. Allocation of emergency funds for urgent repairs and modernization of the ferry system.

Patkar criticized the government’s priorities, stating, “This government has ample funds for PR events and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but not for ensuring the safety of Goans.”

Public Outrage Rising

As ferry services remain a vital transport link for thousands in Goa, incidents like these are rapidly eroding public trust. The GPCC warned that if the BJP government fails to act, the people of Goa will hold them accountable at the ballot box.

“Goans are not expendable. If the BJP cannot guarantee their safety, it has no moral right to remain in power,” Patkar concluded.