Connectivity projects in Assam launched/ Ro-Ro vehicles

Context: The PM launched and inaugurated multiple projects in Assam yesterday to enhance connectivity in the north east region.

Concept:

The PM launched ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ inland waterways and laid the foundation stone of two bridges in Assam.
He inaugurated the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Neamati-Majuli Island, North Guwahati-South Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimari.
‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ will strengthen water connectivity by Brahampurta water through port-led development. It will start at Jogighopa.

About Ro-Ro vehicles

Ro-Ro is an acronym for Roll-on/roll-off. Roll-on/roll-off ships are vessels that are used to carry wheeled cargo. It is different from Lo-Lo (lift on-lift off) ship that uses a crane to load the cargo

Types of RO-Ro vehicle

ROPAX: ROPAX is an acronym for roll on/roll off a passenger. It is a ro-ro vessel built for freight vehicle transport with passenger accommodation.
Pure Car carriers (PCC) /Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTC)have a box-like framework, with the arrangement of ramps to load and unload the cargo. The pure car carrier is used to transport only cars whereas PCTC is used to transport all types of vehicles.
RoLo: RoLo is an acronym for roll-on lift-off vessel. It is also a hybrid vessel type with ramps serving vehicle decks but the other cargo decks are accessible only by crane. These vessels are capable of carrying both Vehicles and general cargo or heavy metals
ConRO: The ConRo vessel is a hybrid between a ro-ro and a container ship. This type of vessel uses the area below the decks for vehicle storage while stacking containerized freight on the top of the decks.