NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the first phase of Ro-Ro (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service between Ghogha and Dahej in Gujarat today is a revolutionary step for India in transport and logistics.This will be South Asia's first world-class Ro-Ro ferry service. By linking South Gujarat and Saurashtra and allowing vehicles with passengers aboard, the ferry service will save travel time and fuel and clear congested roads. It will also give a boost to the entire Saurashtra economy. Transporters and travellers could simply reach Ghogha port, drive their vehicles inside a Ro-Ro ferry and reach Dahej within 90 minutes flat for the onward journey.The project has been constructed and designed by Essar Projects, the EPC arm of the Essar Group."A special thanks to my team for successfully executing a project that will stand up to extreme tidal variations and inhospitable weather conditions, as also enable South Asia's first truly world-class Ro-Ro ferry service," EPC Constructions India CEO Shailesh Sawa said.Once complete, the service will be extended to other locations across the Gulf of Khambat and Gulf of Kutch. There are also ambitious plans to connect the state to Mumbai and other southern states by this link.Commonly used all across North America and Europe , the Ro-Ro ferry service is seen as a game-changer for transportation of goods and passengers in India.The ferry service has been funded partly by the Gujarat government and the Sagarmala project of the central government. The programme aims to promote port-led development in the country by harnessing India's 7,500-km long coastline, 14,500-km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.Sagarmala will boost trade and employment in a big way. The government says at least one crore jobs would be created under Sagarmala in the next four to five years. According to logistics solutions provider Global Ocean Group , Sagarmala project will add 2 per cent to the country's GDP.The Ro-Ro ferry is a small part of Sagarmala project but an indicator of things to come. Development of waterways will boost Indian economy when mobilty and logistics are key to development of business and trade.Gujarat's Ro-Ro ferry will set an example that can be followed at many other places along India's coastline. Unfettered and cheaper transport, the biggest benefit of such a ferry service, will be a multiplier for regional trade and business.