Essar Projects, the EPC arm of Ruias-led Essar Group, on Wednesday said it has won a Rs 225 crore contract for the prestigious ro-ro ferry facility between Gogha and Dahej from the Gujarat government.
“The total project will cost Rs 225 crore and is scheduled to be completed in 15 months,” the country’s second largest engineering, procurement and construction company (EPC) said in a statement.
The project awarded by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is part of the government of Gujarat’s effort to leverage its 1,600-km-long coastline as a means to develop trade and transport between Southern Gujarat and Kutch.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Narendra Modi at Gogha today, it said.
The ro-ro ferry service will facilitate safe and speedy passenger travel and goods movement between Gogha and Dahej by reducing the 360—km land—route to 31 km by sea.
This more than 80 per cent reduction in distance will result in valuable savings in fuel costs and travel time, thereby contributing to a cleaner and greener Gujarat, the company added.
Commenting on the project, Essar Projects President and CEO Mr Alwyn Bowden said, “It is a matter of pride for us to associate with this prestigious project. The vision of Gujarat to provide a strategic connectivity through this project will go a long way in boosting trade and industry.”
The project work includes design and construction of ro-ro service terminals at both Gogha and Dahej, besides building an approach bund of 609 metres, of which 497 metres will be at Gogha and 112 metres at Dahej.
The company will also “design and construct an approach trestle of total 562 metres, of which 472 metres will be at the Gogha—end and 90 metres at the Dahej—end and develop seven Dolphins spread over 84 metres.”