Konkan Railway has announced the addition of a new halt at Nandgaon Road station for its recently launched Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) car transportation service. This strategic inclusion caters to growing public demand for more flexible travel options along the western coastal corridor between Maharashtra and Goa.
The Ro-Ro service, currently operating between Kolad in Raigad district and Verna in South Goa, is designed to allow motorists to transport their vehicles on a dedicated train, thereby avoiding the region’s often congested roadways. With the inclusion of Nandgaon Road as a loading and unloading point, commuters now have more options to plan their journeys with greater convenience. Launched as a pilot initiative earlier this year, the Ro-Ro car service supplements Konkan Railway’s well-established Ro-Ro truck freight model that has been operational since 1999. According to officials, this expanded route has been introduced following direct feedback from passengers seeking added accessibility during the high-travel Ganesh festival period.
The Ro-Ro train will run on alternate days from August 23 to September 11, 2025. The specially designed rake consists of 20 wagons, capable of carrying up to 40 vehicles per trip. Each journey includes designated 3AC and 2S coaches to accommodate accompanying passengers, making it a unique intermodal travel solution. Operational details reveal that the train will now depart Kolad at 3 PM, halting at Nandgaon Road by 10 PM before continuing towards Verna. On its return, it will depart Verna at 3 PM, reach Nandgaon at 8 PM, and arrive at Kolad the following morning by 6 AM. This schedule aims to minimise overnight road travel risks for motorists and provide a more efficient alternative for vehicle movement during peak festive migration.
In an effort to encourage uptake, Konkan Railway has also revised its freight charges for the service. The cost for transporting a single car from Kolad to Verna is ₹7,875 (inclusive of GST), while the journey between Kolad and Nandgaon will cost ₹5,460. Importantly, the deadline for bookings has been extended to August 18, reflecting high public interest and operational flexibility. Officials note that three-hour advance reporting is mandatory at all stations to streamline loading logistics and avoid delays. While passenger fares for the attached coaches remain unchanged, the overall package aims to offer a safer and more sustainable option for long-distance travel.
This initiative aligns with the broader objective of reducing vehicular congestion and promoting more environmentally conscious mobility choices along India’s western coast. As festival traffic volumes are expected to surge, particularly toward Konkan towns, this adaptive approach by the Konkan Railway underscores a proactive strategy in integrating climate-conscious and commuter-friendly rail logistics.
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