Ghogha-Dahej Ferry Service will boost connectivity and infrastructure in Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/Hed5BoaT9V — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21,

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the first phase of the Rs 615 crore 'roll- on-roll-off' (ro-ro) ferry service between Ghogha in Saurashtra and Dahej in south Gujarat.He launched the first phase at a rally here in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel."This is the first of its kind project not only in India but also in South-East Asia," Modi said at the rally which comes ahead of the Assembly polls in the state."This is also a unique project as the state government has used the latest technology to make this ferry service possible," he said.The ferry service, which will reduce the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres, his "dream project".PM addresses a gathering in Ghogha and will undertake a journey to Dahej from Ghogha on the ferry. From Dahej, he will leave for Vadodara , where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,140 crore.Sadly, our transport sector was not integrated enough. We have changed that in the last three years. The goal is to make our transport sector integrated and state of the art.This ferry service will not be restricted to this one route. We are planning to link other places also through ferries.Gujarat is blessed with a long coastline and we should harness opportunities arising due to this. We took steps in developing coastal infrastructure.When I was serving as CM, I faced hostility from the then Central Government. Efforts were made to stall industries and the state's growth. Over the lastthreeyears we have changed that and given importance to the development of Gujarat.Imagine how much time and petrol this ferry service will save. This ferry service connects Saurashtra and South Gujarat...people from these regions frequently travel to and fro.The history of human civilisation illustrates the vitality of rivers and maritime trade. Gujarat is the land of Lothal. How can we forget these aspects of our history. This programme is to bring back to life our glorious past, connect Saurashtra & South Gujarat.Ferry service is a first of sorts. Its a dream come true for people of Gujarat. I am also here with regard to a projectindairy sector, a sector to which we have given immense importance over the last two decades. I urge people to explore opportunities in animal husbandry.I am happy to be in Gujarat to personally convey new year greetings. This programme may be for a ferry between Ghogha and Dahej but this programme is of vital importance for the entire nation.Ajay Bhadoo, Chief Executive Officer of Gujarat Maritime Board which is executing the ro-ro project, said the first phase of the service to be inaugurated by Modi on Sunday is meant for passengers.In the second phase, which would be ready in two months, cars can also be carried between the two towns."It is a complex project which involves the complicated marine structure of the Gulf of Cambay, on which it is built. The service reduces the distance between the two towns from 310 kilometres by road to 30 kilometres which can be covered in one hour," Bhadoo said.Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project in January 2012, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.After inaugurating the 'ro-ro' service, PM Modi will be in Vadodara where he will inaugurate eight different projects worth Rs 1,140 crore.Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Vinod Rao said Modi will dedicate to people a Rs 100-crore city command and control centre in Badamadi Garden, Rs 125-crore Janmahal city transport hub and multi-level parking (under PPP), a Rs 160 crore multi-modal city transport hub, Rs 267 crore waste-to- energy processing plant.The other projects are a Rs 166-crore water treatment plant, two flyovers collectively worth Rs 265 crore, a Rs 55- crore deer safari park, and a Rs 6-crore veterinary hospital.He will also address people at Navlakhi compound in Vadodara.