Ganesh & John Wilbert
Port Blair, Sept 05: MV Pilopanja, which caused damages to several vehicles crossing Middle Strait, today developed technical snag in its ramp’s motor unit.
Due to the snag it became difficult to control ramp opening and closing speed and hence the vessel was taken out of service at 3.00 PM, leaving only one other vehicle ferry operational in Middle Strait.
Since last several weeks ATR commuters have been demanding to withdraw the said vehicle ferry due to the reason that many vehicles got severe damages while climbing up the ramp, due to a projection on the upper part of the ramp.
It is learnt that to repair the vessels, it needs to be taken to Port Blair. Withdrawal of MV Pilopanja will certainly put more pressure on the other vehicle ferry in Middle Strait but atleast now the Shipping Services will have to provide another vehicle ferry, which will certainly not cause damages to ATR vehicles.
