Mangaluru: The increase in diesel prices has put ferry associations in the city under financial strain. The BMD Ferry Service, Thota Bengre Ferry Service operated by Mahajana Sabha Bengre, and Boloor Mogaveera Ferry Service Committee have raised concerns over rising operational and maintenance costs.Saleem Hasan, director, BMD Ferry Service, Kasaba Bengre, said that soaring diesel prices have pushed them into losses. Earlier, profits from the ferry service were distributed towards social services, but this has now become difficult due to mounting losses. Around 175 litres of diesel is consumed daily for operations, between Kasaba Bengre and Bunder, in addition to maintenance costs. The service operates with three boats and 20 staff members.On fare revision, he said that increasing the fare by Rs 2 or Rs 3 creates problems with change, while a Rs 10 hike is also not feasible.Sanjay Bengre, president of Mahajana Sabha Bengre, which operates service between South Wharf, Bunder, and Bengre, said they are unable to maintain their operation, and are incurring losses due to the diesel price hike, as cost of spare parts and repairs has increased, and they are struggling to pay staff salaries. The service has three boats, of which two are operational, and employs 19 staff members. He said that the service cannot be stopped as it provides the shortest route for locals to reach the city, and added that a decision on fare revision will be taken after discussions with the committee and locals.Stressing the need for dredging, he said during low tide, ferries are forced to take longer routes, resulting in higher diesel consumption.Subash Kunder, president of the Boloor Mogaveera Ferry Service Committee, which operates between Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi, said that with diesel prices rising, operations are becoming unviable. Passenger numbers are higher only during weekends, and have declined during the monsoon. The service has nine staff members.Fare hikes are difficult at present, with a new bridge connecting both ends expected to be completed in the coming months. However, a decision is likely to be taken after a meeting with the sabha after Aug 15. However, damages caused by low tide were limited this year due to the strong flow from the Phalguni River, after the coffer bund was opened.
