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The launch of this service, hailed as South Asia’s fastest Ro-Ro, is a major initiative by the Maharashtra government
The M2M vessel will slash the journey to just 3 hours for Jaigad (Ratnagiri) and 5 hours for Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg), a stark contrast to the gruelling 10-12 hours typically required by road. Representational image/AI-generated
A long-awaited convenience for thousands of travellers is here, as the Maharashtra government launches a new Ro-Ro (Roll-On, Roll-Off) ferry service connecting Mumbai and Konkan. The service, starting on September 1, is set to drastically cut down travel time, offering a much-needed alternative to the hours spent in traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway during festive seasons like Ganeshotsav and Holi.
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The M2M vessel will slash the journey to just 3 hours for Jaigad (Ratnagiri) and 5 hours for Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg), a stark contrast to the gruelling 10-12 hours typically required by road. The ferry’s ticketing is designed to be accessible for a range of budgets, with passenger fares starting at Rs 2,500 for Economy Class and going up to Rs 9,000 for First Class. The service is also a boon for vehicle owners, with fares set at Rs 6,000 for cars, Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers, and Rs 600 for bicycles, allowing families to bring their own transport for seamless onward travel.
The ferry, capable of carrying 50 four-wheelers, 30 two-wheelers, and mini-buses, will connect Mumbai’s Bhaucha Dhakka to jetties in Jaigad and Vijaydurg.
A Game-Changer for Konkan Residents
The launch of this service, hailed as South Asia’s fastest Ro-Ro, is a major initiative by the Maharashtra government. According to Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane, the project has received all 147 necessary permits and has been implemented with world-class safety standards.
This initiative is a part of the state government’s vision to enhance connectivity and provide relief to lakhs of people who travel to their native villages during peak festive periods.
Proven Success of Mumbai-Alibaug Ro-Ro Service
The new Mumbai-Konkan route builds upon the success of the existing Ro-Ro ferry service between Mumbai and Mandwa (Alibaug), which has already transformed weekend getaways. The Mumbai-Alibaug service, which takes around an hour, has made the popular coastal town far more accessible, bypassing the congested road journey that typically takes over three hours. The convenience of taking one’s car or bike on the ferry has been a game-changer for tourists, making day trips and weekend holidays to Alibaug significantly more convenient and enjoyable.
This new service is also a precursor to a wider network. Minister Nitesh Rane stated that this is just the beginning, with plans to add more stops like Shrivardhan and Mandwa in the near future. The long-term vision is to extend the service even further, providing a direct ferry connection all the way to Goa, promising a faster, more scenic, and stress-free journey for travellers.
About the Author
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
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