Panaji: May 21, 2026
Earlier, Notice to Mariners was issued ordering closure of Aguada Sand Bar from May 21, 2026 to September 15, 2026.However, Captain of Ports Department has now informed that navigation along the Aguada Sand Bar route is permitted from May 22, 2026 till 8 pm of May 25, 2026 and provided that the load carried by all vessels during the period mentioned shall be 2/3rd of carrying capacity of the vessel; Vessels/barges with extended Survey Certificate shall not ply from Aguada Sand Bar after May 20, 2026 and this extended period is not applicable to such vessels.
All vessels plying should have proper insurance and normal survey certificate validity without extension; All Owners/Masters/Crews/Fishing Vessels are required to exercise EXTRA CAUTION while navigating through the said areas as the Navigational buoys in the Rivers Mandovi and Zuari have been withdrawn; Extra lookout/watch keeper to be on duty to avoid any mishap; Overtaking of vessels /barges from Mandovi Bridges to mouth of Mandovi river is strictly prohibited; Master/Serang of all vessels shall adhere to the rules of navigation route strictly and all Inland Vessels/Crafts to keep clear off ferryboats at ferry crossing.
