Two ferries with 200 people on board have collided on the Kalasavalli to Ambaragodlu waterway route of Sharavati river in Sagara taluk, Karnataka, on Wednesday. While both the ferries sustained minor damage, no injuries have been reported so far.

The route through which the ferries were commuting is a backwater formed by the outflow of Sharavati river. Many ferries, initiated and backed by the government, run across the river every day. The journey of ferries, some of which also carry vehicles apart from people, is said to take around 20 minutes to cross.

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Ferries are driven by unskilled people- Village head

Talking about the incident, GT Sathyanarayana, the head of Tumari village, said that unskilled people were driving these ferries. He also said that he has made a complaint to the concerned authorities but that no action has been taken so far.  

The Sharavathi river, that flows through the state of Karnataka, originates at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk and flows north-west through the Western Ghats forming the Jog Falls before joining the Arabian Sea at Honavar.

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Kalsavalli-Ambaragodlu is an inline water route which connects submerged part of Sagara Taluk. The ferry ride across the Sharavati river is available from Sigandur, which is known for the Chowdeshwari Temple. The temple is well known and attracts a lot of pilgrims. The ferry ride is very popular and is a major attraction for the tourists.

The ferries, which are famous for being able to carry vehicles of tourists as well, are a major means of transportation here for the locals. The rides often give the tourists ample time to witness and admire the beauty of the Sharavati valley which, as many tourists often explain, is a peaceful and relaxing experience.

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Order to build a bridge has been approved

Last year Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari approved and also laid the foundation stone to build a huge bridge across the river.

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