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Launching September 1, the Ro-Ro ferry will offer economy tickets at Rs 2,500, with additional charges for cars, bikes, and mini buses
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 new high-speed Ro-Ro (Roll-On, Roll-Off) ferry service between Mumbai and Konkan is set to transform coastal travel from September 1, with journey times slashed and fixed-price tickets offering a faster, smoother, and more scenic alternative to road and rail.
The ferry, named M2M, will connect Mumbai’s Bhaucha Dhakka port to Jaigad in Ratnagiri and Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg, completing trips in approximately 3-4 hours and 5-6 hours, respectively. In comparison, the same routes can take up to 12-14 hours by road during peak festive traffic.
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Calling the launch a “festival gift” for Konkan residents during Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane confirmed the ferry service will begin after a series of trial runs and weather clearances. “The moment the weather stabilises, the service will commence from September 1. It will ensure Konkan residents and tourists alike have a safe, quick and reliable journey,” Rane said at a press conference at Mantralaya.
How Much Will The Ferry Cost? Full Fare List For All Categories
The M2M ferry offers four classes of passenger seating, with a total capacity of 656 people:
- Economy Class: Rs 2,500 (552 seats)
- Premium Economy: Rs 4,000 (44 seats)
- Business Class: Rs 7,500 (48 seats)
- First Class: Rs 9,000 (12 seats)
Travellers can also carry their own vehicles aboard, making it ideal for extended trips down the coast. The vehicle tariffs are:
- Car: Rs 6,000
- Two-wheeler: Rs 1,000
- Bicycle: Rs 600
- Mini bus: Rs 13,000
- Larger buses: Charges based on vehicle capacity
The rates have been calculated to keep the service affordable during high-demand periods, such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi, when road and rail fares often skyrocket.
The Journey: Timings, Route And Speed
The ferry will depart daily from Mumbai’s Bhaucha Dhakka at 6:30 am, reach its Konkan destination within a few hours, and begin its return journey after a two-hour halt. With a top cruising speed of 25 knots, the M2M has been officially described as South Asia’s fastest Ro-Ro vessel.
The ferry can carry:
- 50 cars
- 30 two-wheelers
- Bicycles
- Mini and large buses
It is also equipped to provide last-mile connectivity, with buses arranged from jetties to nearby towns and villages, an especially important feature for Konkan residents heading home during the festival.
The Mandwa Success And Konkan’s Long Wait
This will be Maharashtra’s second Ro-Ro ferry service, following the successful Mumbai–Mandwa (Alibaug) route that launched in March 2020. That ferry reduced a 3-hour road trip to just one hour by sea, and the government is now looking to replicate and scale that success down the Konkan coast.
The idea for the Mumbai–Konkan Ro-Ro service was first conceptualised under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during his earlier tenure, and has now secured final clearances after completing 147 statutory approvals from the Union Shipping Ministry and State Ports Department.
More Than Just A Route: A Vision For Coastal Travel
Rane, who conducted a preliminary inspection of the vessel earlier this month, shared his sentiments online, saying: “I got the opportunity to conduct a preliminary inspection of it. As a native of Konkan, I feel rightly proud of this opportunity.” He has also hinted at an expanded vision for coastal connectivity, revealing that new jetties are being planned to link future routes to Shrivardhan, Mandwa, and eventually Goa.
“With South Asia’s fastest vessel deployed, the government expects high demand not just from Konkan locals but also from tourists keen on exploring the region,” he said.
Why This Matters During Ganeshotsav
Every year, Konkan-bound travellers deal with choked highways and overcrowded trains, especially during Ganeshotsav and Holi. The Mumbai–Goa highway in particular becomes a traffic nightmare, often turning a 10-hour drive into an all-day ordeal.
By offering fixed-rate fares, faster travel, and onboard vehicle access, the Ro-Ro ferry is being pitched as the solution to years of frustration. As Rane noted, “For years, Konkan residents have faced overcrowded trains and traffic-clogged highways during Ganeshotsav and Holi. This Ro-Ro ferry will provide a long-awaited alternative that saves time and offers safety.”
If you’ve ever spent half a day crawling toward Ratnagiri or Sindhudurg in bumper-to-bumper traffic, this new sea route might just be the travel reset you’ve been waiting for.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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